Volkswagen Ireland has warned auto parts retailers and the motoring public to watch out for fake brake pads which are circulating as branded products for Volkswagen, SEAT, Skoda and Audi cars.
The fake pads have been already found in Garda raids in Dublin, Galway, Mayo, Donegal, Belfast and Armagh.
VW Ireland says the pads when tested were found to have 30 percent less braking ability than the genuine article.
The company says An Garda will take enforcement action against businesses or individuals found to be selling these counterfeit parts, which represent an increased danger to road users.
Prosecutions can result in fines of up to €100,000 and five years' imprisonment.