9 People Charged in Connection With Alleged Smuggling Scheme

An alleged large-scale smuggling scheme at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports has led to federal charges against nine individuals.

Key Takeaways

Nine individuals have been charged with smuggling at least $200 million in counterfeit goods through Los Angeles and Long Beach ports.
The group allegedly replaced legitimate cargo with contraband to bypass customs inspections.
Authorities found over $130 million in seized goods, with a major bust in June 2024 uncovering $20 million in counterfeit items.
Federal actions and ongoing trials highlight efforts to close security gaps and prevent similar incidents.

Federal Charges Unsealed

Federal prosecutors unveiled a 15-count indictment against nine individuals for allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated smuggling operation. This network is accused of smuggling around $200 million worth of counterfeit and illegal goods from China into the U.S., using the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach as entry points. Defendants include logistics company executives, warehouse owners, and truck drivers implicated in the plot.

The indictment shows a conspiracy to smuggle contraband by replacing legitimate shipments with illicit cargo, thus avoiding thorough customs checks. From August 2023 to June 2024, the group allegedly used false seals to conceal the introduction of counterfeit goods.

Federal prosecutors allege that local group smuggled more than $200 million in counterfeit, illegal goods through LA ports https://t.co/zSxyxEwSHD

— KCAL News (@kcalnews) January 28, 2025

Ongoing Investigations and Arrests

U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) keen-eyed agriculture specialists initiated the investigation during a routine check in 2023. By June 2024, authorities had seized over $20 million worth of fake luxury items, pointing to the extensive nature of the operation. Eight defendants now face numerous charges, likely leading to severe penalties that reflect the gravity of their alleged crimes.

“With this much activity, transnational criminal organizations have a wide berth to operate and exploit vulnerabilities, and the defendants charged in this indictment took full advantage,” Eddy Wang, special agent in charge with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations in Los Angeles, stated.

Meanwhile, the Joseph T. McNally, the acting United States Attorney, spoke of the situation, saying, “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.”

The forthcoming preliminary trials, set for March 18, are expected to shed more light on the methods and reach of this alleged smuggling network. While eight members have been apprehended, the alleged ringleader remains in China, complicating the extradition process and international cooperation aspects of the case.