ICYMI: $200 Million Counterfeit Smuggling Ring BUSTED in California—Fugitive on the Run!
California authorities cracked a $200 million smuggling operation flooding the U.S. with counterfeit luxury goods. 🌐 #News #LosAngelesCA #California #Crime
LOS ANGELES, CA – Federal authorities in California revealed a sweeping takedown on Monday, arresting eight suspects in a major operation to smuggle hundreds of millions of dollars in counterfeit and illegal goods from China into the United States. The smuggling ring allegedly funneled contraband through California’s busiest ports, deceiving customs officials in a sophisticated scheme that has sent shockwaves through the shipping industry.
The case centers on a 15-count indictment targeting key players, including logistics company executives, warehouse operators, and truck drivers. Federal officials say the charges involve conspiracy, smuggling, and tampering with customs seals. Seven suspects were taken into custody on Friday, another on Saturday, while one remains on the run, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
How the Smuggling Operation Unfolded
Authorities allege that the group bypassed security protocols by targeting shipping containers flagged for off-site inspection at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. They reportedly emptied the containers of their illicit cargo, replaced it with decoy goods, and sent them back into the system to avoid detection.
The investigation has led to the seizure of over $130 million in contraband, federal officials said. In one June 2024 raid at a warehouse linked to the ring, law enforcement discovered $20 million worth of counterfeit luxury items, including shoes, handbags, perfume, clothing, and watches.
Investigators estimate that the organization smuggled at least $200 million in goods overall.
Officials Respond to the Scope of the Operation
“Secure seaports and borders are critical to our national security,” Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally said in a statement.
“The smuggling of huge amounts of contraband from China through our nation’s largest port hurts American businesses and consumers. The charges and arrests here demonstrate our commitment to enforce our customs laws and keep the American public safe.”
Among those arrested were Jin “Mark” Liu and Hexi Wang, owner and manager of K&P International Logistics LLC, a company responsible for trucking shipping containers from the Port of Los Angeles. Others taken into custody included Marck Anthony Gomez of Fannum Trucks LLC, truck driver Andy Estuardo Castillo Perez of M4 Transportation Inc., Jesse James Rosales, Daniel Acosta Hoffman, and Galvin Biao Liufu.
Authorities are still searching for the final suspect, identified as Weijun Zheng, also known as “Sonic,” who is believed to control several logistics companies operating in the Los Angeles area.
Initial Discovery by Customs Officials
The investigation began in 2023 when U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials conducting a routine container inspection at the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport stumbled upon suspicious goods. Cheryl Davies, Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles, emphasized the diligence of her team in uncovering the scheme.
“It was a team of CBP agriculture specialists assigned to the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport who in 2023, during a routine examination of a container made the initial discovery,” Davies said.
“This case attests to their unwavering vigilance, upmost professionalism, and keen focus in protecting the integrity of lawful trade, a key component of our critical national security mission.”
The investigation remains ongoing as federal agents pursue the fugitive and further assess the scope of the smuggling network.
RELATED TOPICS: California | China | Crime
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