A criminal network accused of smuggling at least $200 million in counterfeit and illegal products through one of the country’s busiest shipping hubs has been dismantled by federal agents. Nine individuals are now facing charges for their involvement in a scheme that exploited weaknesses in the U.S. customs system to sneak prohibited goods into the country.
The group, which included logistics executives, truck drivers, and warehouse operators, used fraudulent customs seals to move contraband past inspections at the Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex. Investigators say criminals in China produced duplicate security seals identical to those assigned to shipping containers flagged for inspection. These were then shipped to U.S.-based conspirators, who used them to make tampered containers appear untouched.
Feds uncover $200 million smuggling operation tied to China pic.twitter.com/mjTgWfVr9N
— Karli Bonne’ 🇺🇸 (@KarluskaP) January 28, 2025
Rather than delivering flagged containers to designated screening sites, truckers involved in the operation instead took them to off-site warehouses, where illicit goods were unloaded. To avoid detection, they then refilled the containers with non-contraband items and reapplied counterfeit seals before sending them back for customs clearance.
The smuggled goods included hazardous chemicals, unauthorized food products, and fake designer merchandise, posing significant safety risks to consumers. A series of raids led to the seizure of more than $130 million in contraband, including a $20 million stockpile of counterfeit luxury items found in a Los Angeles-area warehouse in June 2024.
👉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
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 indictment names Weijun Zheng, a fugitive who allegedly managed multiple logistics businesses that played a key role in the operation, along with eight others involved in overseeing transportation and distribution. Authorities say all but one of the defendants have been taken into custody.
The investigation remains ongoing, with officials expecting additional arrests as they work to dismantle any remaining parts of the smuggling network.
