Acting U.S. Attorney Joe McNally (Fox News)
Federal authorities have arrested nine individuals linked to a massive smuggling operation that funneled counterfeit and illegal goods worth at least $200 million into America through the bustling Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
This intricate operation exploited logistics companies, warehouse operators, and corrupt truck drivers to import vast quantities of illegal merchandise, including counterfeit goods and harmful chemicals, thus bypassing U.S. customs regulations.
The defendants now face severe charges, including conspiracy, smuggling, and breaking customs seals.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally described the operation as a significant breach of national security during a press conference.
According to McNally, the criminals exploited the security system by obtaining advanced knowledge of the unique serial numbers of seals assigned to shipments.
They produced identical counterfeit seals in China, which were then shipped to accomplices in the U.S. These duplicate fake seals were designed to circumvent the normal inspection process.
Instead of transporting containers to designated secondary inspection sites, corrupt truck drivers were directed by the members of the conspiracy to take them to nearby warehouses. There, the seals were cut, the illegal goods removed, and new counterfeit seals applied before being sent back for Customs inspection.
McNally detailed the types of contraband recovered during the operation, which included hazardous chemicals like R-22, counterfeit goods worth tens of millions, unapproved food items, and other illicit drugs posing significant consumer risks.
According to the news release, “Investigators seized more than $130 million in contraband, and the organization is believed to be responsible for smuggling at least $200 million worth of goods. According to the indictment, a search of one warehouse used by the group led to the seizure in June 2024 of $20 million worth of counterfeit items including shoes, perfume, luxury handbags, apparel and watches.”
WATCH:
Feds uncover $200 million smuggling operation tied to China pic.twitter.com/mjTgWfVr9N
— Karli Bonne’ (@KarluskaP) January 28, 2025
The 15-count indictment outlines a complex conspiracy aimed at smuggling substantial quantities of contraband from China into the United States via the Port of Los Angeles, spanning from at least August 2023 to June 2024.
Those indicted include:
Weijun Zheng, 57, also known as “Sonic,” from Diamond Bar, currently a fugitive. Zheng owns multiple logistics companies in the Los Angeles area.
Hexi Wang, 32, from El Monte, who operates K&P International Logistics LLC in City of Industry, responsible for hiring truckers to transport containers from the Port of Los Angeles.
Jin “Mark” Liu, 42, from Irvine, owner of K&P International Logistics LLC. Liu managed the financial operations of a warehouse used to unload contraband and authorized payments to truck drivers involved in the smuggling operation.
Dong “Liam” Lin, 31, from Hacienda Heights, co-controlled a warehouse where illegal goods were stored, along with Zheng.
Marck Anthony Gomez, 49, from West Covina, heads Fannum Trucks LLC, which managed the logistics of moving shipping containers from the Port of Los Angeles, including those containing smuggled items.
Andy Estuardo Castillo Perez, 32, from Apple Valley, a driver for M4 Transportation Inc., based in Carson, which handles container transport from the Port of Los Angeles.
Jesse James Rosales, 41, from Apple Valley, coordinated the truckers’ movement from the ports to various warehouses.
Daniel Acosta Hoffman, 41, from Hacienda Heights, collaborated with Rosales in relocating cargo containers from the port to the warehouses.
Galvin Biao Liufu, 33, from Ontario, was in charge of directing truck drivers to deliver the contraband to the designated warehouses.
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