Smuggling Operation Bypassed US Customs, Funneled Millions In Contraband
Federal authorities have taken down a criminal network responsible for smuggling at least $200 million in illegal goods into the U.S. through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Nine individuals are facing charges for their role in an elaborate scheme that used counterfeit seals and corrupt logistics operations to move contraband past customs.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally, the organization exploited a weakness in the shipping process by duplicating customs seals before cargo even reached the U.S. These fake seals were produced in China and then affixed to containers once they arrived at the port, allowing the shipments to bypass secondary inspections.
Feds uncover $200 million smuggling operation tied to China pic.twitter.com/mjTgWfVr9N
— Karli Bonne’ 🇺🇸 (@KarluskaP) January 28, 2025
Instead of delivering cargo to official screening locations, truckers involved in the operation diverted shipments to secret warehouses. There, the seals were cut, goods were unloaded, and new counterfeit seals were applied before returning the containers to customs officials. This allowed millions in counterfeit products, hazardous chemicals, and other illegal imports to enter the country undetected.
👉Feds uncover a $200 million smuggling operation tied to China, using the Ports of LA.
drop#1203
Why is the MX border / Long Beach Port so important?
Tick TOCK (LLC).
Q~T edit: Hello Adam. About that poor little black boy at the Standard.
X LINK pic.twitter.com/GwfeA0F0RZ
— Viola Bergeron WILL NOT COMPLY!!!! (@StarSeed_2020) January 28, 2025
A recent search led to the seizure of over $130 million in contraband, including counterfeit luxury goods, unauthorized pharmaceuticals, and dangerous chemicals such as R-22, a refrigerant banned under environmental regulations. In one warehouse alone, agents found $20 million worth of counterfeit merchandise, including handbags, apparel, and perfumes.
This is a major bust. A $200 million smuggling operation tied to China using the Ports of LA shows just how deep the infiltration runs. It’s not just about illegal goods, it’s about the security of our nation’s ports and the people who depend on them.
— MAG🔫1775🇺🇸 (@Mar50cC5O) January 27, 2025
The 15-count indictment names multiple suspects, including fugitive Weijun Zheng, who allegedly ran the logistics network, and Jin “Mark” Liu, who handled financial operations. Others charged include warehouse operators and trucking company owners who helped transport and hide the shipments.
Authorities say the scheme, which ran from August 2023 to June 2024, was one of the most sophisticated smuggling operations uncovered in recent years. Investigators are continuing to track down additional members of the network, and further arrests may follow.