Parts

Japanese Hino Motors Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Auto Parts Into U.S.

Hino Motors Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy and Fraud Charges

**Detroit, MI** – U.S. District Court Judge Mark A. Goldsmith has accepted Hino Motors, Ltd.’s guilty plea to a one-count criminal charge for engaging in a long-term conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government and consumers and illegally smuggling goods. The court imposed a $521.76 million criminal fine and a five-year probation period, including a prohibition on importing diesel engines into the United States. A $1.087 billion forfeiture money judgment was also issued against Hino.

Court records reveal that between 2010 and 2019, engineers at Hino Motors submitted falsified applications for engine certification approvals, violating the Clean Air Act. The engineers manipulated emissions test data and submitted fraudulent information, resulting in false fuel consumption values. Over 105,000 non-compliant engines were imported and sold between 2010 and 2022, primarily for heavy-duty trucks.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson expressed that Hino’s actions gave it an unfair advantage and generated over $1 billion in proceeds. The Justice Department is committed to enforcing emissions standards and addressing fraud. Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck emphasized the importance of

Secaucus Police Arrest Two with Stolen Automobile Parts Case

### Secaucus Police Arrest Two in Stolen Automobile Parts Case

**Secaucus, NJ** – Secaucus Police recently apprehended two individuals in connection with fencing stolen automobile parts.

On December 30, Secaucus Police found a 2015 Honda CRV missing multiple parts, reported stolen from Weehawken on December 28. The officers were initially responding to reports of an abandoned vehicle on the 500 block of New County Road.

On Monday, police discovered a 2023 Acura TLX missing several components. It was located on the 200 block of Secaucus Road and was reported stolen from Kenilworth on December 31.

Undercover detectives arranged a purchase of the stolen Acura parts, leading to the arrest of Jarol Vasquez-Puig and Freddy Mendoza-Polanco on Wednesday. The operation took place outside Vasquez-Puig’s residence in Jersey City.

Detectives subsequently searched Vasquez-Puig’s home and recovered several stolen automotive parts and a motorcycle reported stolen from Jersey City on December 6. Both men face numerous charges including receiving stolen property and fencing. The investigation remains active, with further arrests possible. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Secaucus Police Detective Division.