Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Authorities have raided two locations linked to the production and distribution of counterfeit industrial bearings, uncovering a large stockpile of fake parts with an estimated value of over 6 million baht. Officials warn that the counterfeit components could pose serious safety risks if used in vehicles and industrial machinery.

 

At 09:30 on 21 March, the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD), in collaboration with the Department of Intellectual Property, held a press conference detailing the operation. The raids followed an investigation initiated after discussions with the World Bearing Association (WBA) on 25 February regarding the growing issue of counterfeit bearings.

 

Authorities explained that bearings are critical components used in car wheels, clutches, axles, engines, elevators, cranes, conveyor belts, and power plant machinery. The use of substandard, counterfeit bearings could lead to mechanical failures and serious accidents, endangering both lives and property.

 

Following extensive surveillance, police executed court-issued search warrants at two locations:

 

• First Raid – Nakhon Pathom Province:

 

Officers raided a warehouse in Tha Phraya Subdistrict, Nakhon Chai Si District, arresting Teerawit 32. He was charged with possessing counterfeit trademarked goods for sale, a violation of Thailand’s intellectual property laws. Police confiscated 1,821 fake KOYO-brand bearings.

 

• Second Raid – Bangkok:

 

A second operation targeted a storage facility in Lat Phrao District. Officers arrested Laddawan 60, on identical charges. Investigators seized 2,535 counterfeit SKF-brand bearings.

 

In total, police seized 4,356 fake bearings from the two locations, with an estimated value of 6,120,000 baht. Investigators determined that the counterfeit parts were imported from China, falsely labelled as genuine.

 

Authorities suspect possible involvement of government officials in the scheme, as evidence suggests fraudulent documentation was used during customs clearance. The investigation is now being expanded to identify further individuals linked to the counterfeit operation.

 

Both suspects have been taken into custody and will face prosecution under Thailand’s intellectual property laws. Meanwhile, authorities are urging businesses and consumers to be vigilant when purchasing automotive and industrial components, warning of the potential dangers of counterfeit goods.

 

-- 2025-03-22

 

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Authorities have raided two locations linked to the production and distribution of counterfeit industrial bearings, uncovering a large stockpile of fake parts with an estimated value of over 6 million baht.

 

Can we guess that the bearings where maid in China?

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

In total, police seized 4,356 fake bearings from the two locations, with an estimated value of 6,120,000 baht. Investigators determined that the counterfeit parts were imported from China, falsely labelled as genuine.

 

14 minutes ago, watchcat said:

 

Can we guess that the bearings where maid in China?

 

No need to guess, already stated. SKF are Swedish and was always my go to for me as a Saab enthusiast.

1 minute ago, Jeff the Chef said:

 

 

No need to guess, already stated.

 

So China it is,

 

If push came to shove, I think I'd prefer a fake bearing made in China, as opposed to made in Pakistan. 

A spelling police post and the bickering replies have been removed.

This is a crime that Chinese specialise in. I expect Chinese criminal gangs to be running this.

Bearings, which are essential components in various industries, including vehicles and machinery, play a critical role in safety. The counterfeit bearings seized in the raids were of brands like KOYO and SKF, and their substandard quality poses serious risks, such as mechanical failures and accidents in vehicles, cranes, power plant machinery, and other equipment that depend on reliable bearings. In total, authorities confiscated 4,356 fake bearings with an estimated value of over 6 million baht.

18 hours ago, blairkent said:

Bearings, which are essential components in various industries, including vehicles and machinery, play a critical role in safety. The counterfeit bearings seized in the raids were of brands like KOYO and SKF, TBS, and their substandard quality poses serious risks, such as mechanical failures and accidents in vehicles, cranes, power plant machinery, and other equipment that depend on reliable Automotive bearings. In total, authorities confiscated 4,356 fake bearings with an estimated value of over 6 million baht.

If you're sourcing bearings, always buy from authorized dealers or directly from manufacturers to avoid fakes.