HRB investigation leads to raid on supplier accused of distributing thousands of fake components
Taizhou, April 20, 2025 – Chinese authorities have uncovered a major counterfeit operation in the industrial sector, as more than 3,000 fake bearings were seized during a law enforcement raid in Taizhou. The investigation, launched by Harbin Bearing Group (HRB), exposed a years-long scheme by Taizhou Yinye Bearing Co. to sell counterfeit bearings under the guise of a reputable brand.
The case unfolded after HRB’s market monitoring team flagged suspicious shipments as part of their ongoing efforts to combat counterfeiting. HRB’s internal specialists gathered concrete evidence pointing to unauthorized use of their trademark, prompting the decisive enforcement action. The seized products — spanning over 160 different models — had been falsely labeled and distributed without meeting the quality or safety standards required for industrial use.
“The danger lies not just in trademark infringement but in the real threat these low-quality products pose to equipment and human life,” said Wu Minde, CEO of Jianlong HRB. Unlike certified HRB bearings, the counterfeits had bypassed critical quality control procedures. Their use in sectors such as manufacturing and transportation could lead to catastrophic equipment failures, accidents, and even loss of life.
Officials stressed that counterfeit bearings are especially dangerous due to their near-identical appearance to legitimate products, making detection difficult without technical verification. This deception puts unsuspecting buyers — and their operations — at serious risk.
Chinese law carries severe penalties for trademark violations, including confiscation of goods, steep fines, and potential criminal charges. In 2024 alone, dozens of individuals were prosecuted in similar cases. HRB has vowed to intensify its anti-counterfeiting efforts in 2025, with plans to further expand its surveillance and enforcement network in collaboration with national regulatory authorities.
“This is a warning to the industry,” Wu stated. “We will not tolerate illegal activity that endangers lives and undermines the integrity of our products.”
Authorities and industry experts urge businesses to purchase bearings and other critical components exclusively through authorized channels. Verifying product documentation and sourcing from official suppliers are essential steps to prevent financial losses and safeguard industrial operations.
As the fight against counterfeit goods continues, this latest case underscores the importance of vigilance, enforcement, and industry-wide collaboration to protect product integrity and public safety.
