>> This particular vehicle was targeted under Operation Atlantic.
We're looking for vehicles, Land Rover Defenders and Minis
that are claimed to be at least 25 years old.
We have a high level of communication
with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
and they've given us guidance on exactly what to look for in these vehicles.
This particular vehicle,
we found that the VIN does not actually match the vehicle.
>> As you can see here, there's a VIN plate
and then there also should be VIN plate up in the drip pan here,
right under the windshield wipers.
>> Which way to identify the vehicle.
That VIN, we've been unable to uncover it.
>> So we could not trace it back.
>> The engine in the vehicle is a multi-port fuel injection engine.
It's declared to be a 1988, and that engine was not in the 1988 vehicle.
>> This is the VIN that we were able to locate on the car.
The import specialist decoded this VIN number.
They discovered numerous discrepancies with the vehicle.
>> We are unable to determine the true identity of the vehicle.
It's possible it could have been stolen.
We just really don't know.
This vehicle was seized and it's actually going to be destroyed
because it would be improper for us
to put this into the commerce or even to export it.
>> We have worked very closely with our colleagues
at the Department of Transportation,
as well as colleagues from overseas in the United Kingdom.
>> We are working together inorder to tackle
cross-pond international global vehicle crime.
>> We have been concerned about unsafe cars like this.
And so some months ago we started Operation Atlantic.
>> For nearly a year we've had an operation running with our colleagues
from America in tracking serious and organized vehicle crime.
>> We are looking particularly at the Austin Mini and the Land Rover Defender.
We're seeing problems; they're a very attractive and valuable car.
>> Well, they've been stolen in the United Kingdom,
put into containers and brought over to America.
>> Looking like Franken-cars.
Made up of pieces and parts from all over the place.
>> There could be parts in there that are stolen,
there could be parts in there that are illegal.
Because international global vehicle crime
is a problem that plagues both sides of the Atlantic,
some be funding criminality, or been funding drug abuse.
They'd be funding all aspects of criminality within our society.
>> And so we will continue to protect
the American public from cars just like this.
What we're looking for is for people to be aware that
not everything that comes in is compliant with U.S. safety law.
>> I think if you commit offenses in the United Kingdom, we'll catch you.
If you order vehicles from the United Kingdom
and they are forged, we will catch you.
The long arm of the law in the United Kingdom does come as far as America.
>> And if you have an issue or you think you might have an unsafe car,
go to CBP.gov and touch on the "E-allegations" button
to report possible unsafe car.
We'll be happy to work with you and give you
more information and make sure that the car you are driving is safe.