Mercedes-Benz Conducted 793 Raids Worldwide, Confiscating 1.5M Counterfeits

In 2024, Mercedes-Benz conducted 793 raids worldwide, seizing over 1.5 million counterfeit products and removing 212,000 online listings, strengthening brand protection.

Mercedes-Benz has wrapped up its global anti-counterfeiting campaign for 2024, revealing striking figures: 793 raids were conducted worldwide, resulting in the seizure of over 1.5 million counterfeit products. On average, more than two operations took place daily with the support of customs and law enforcement authorities. At the same time, more than 212,000 counterfeit product listings were removed from online platforms—a 49% increase compared to the previous year.

Counterfeit items often involve critical vehicle components—from air filters made of flammable materials to brake pads containing hazardous substances like lead and arsenic. These parts not only infringe on intellectual property rights but also pose severe safety risks for drivers and passengers.

This issue is far from new. Since 2021, the scale of anti-counterfeiting measures has remained high. That year, more than 650 raids led to the confiscation of approximately 1.86 million fake products. In 2022 and 2023, the number of raids increased further, reaching over 620 operations in 2022 and more than 740 in 2023, with over 1.6 million counterfeit items seized annually. In 2024, the trend continued, indicating that combating illegal manufacturing remains an ongoing challenge.

The Mercedes-Benz Brand Protection Team plays a crucial role in this fight. Their work begins long before raids occur: specialists monitor online marketplaces, track supply chains, and conduct investigations to identify counterfeit production sites. The gathered intelligence is handed over to authorities who then execute raids and seize the fake products.

Another major battleground is the online environment. Counterfeiting networks exploit social media and anonymous marketplaces, making detection more complex. Yet, Mercedes-Benz has been ramping up countermeasures, steadily increasing the number of online listings removed over recent years.

The problem is not limited to low-cost items. Premium products, including Mercedes-Benz Maybach and AMG models, are increasingly targeted. Some infringers go as far as replicating entire vehicles, blatantly violating patent and design rights.

To strengthen preventive measures, Mercedes-Benz regularly trains customs officials and partners, providing informational resources to help identify counterfeits early on.

Company experts emphasize that genuine Mercedes-Benz parts undergo rigorous testing and comply with technical and environmental standards to ensure road safety. Although the fight against counterfeits has been ongoing for years, the consistent rise in raids and seizures highlights a persistent demand for fake goods. Looking ahead, further international cooperation and the expanded use of digital tools are expected to bolster efforts against counterfeiting.