Evergreen Reporter

Federal authorities have apprehended eight individuals accused of participating in a large-scale smuggling operation. The indictment alleges that logistics executives, warehouse owners, and truck drivers collaborated to illegally import counterfeit goods from China through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The Department of Justice disclosed these details following an investigation that led to the seizure of over $130 million in contraband.

The unsealed 15-count indictment charges nine defendants with conspiracy, smuggling, and breaking customs seals. They are accused of diverting flagged containers for inspection, removing illegal goods, and refilling them with decoy cargo to evade detection by customs officials.

Investigators believe the group is responsible for smuggling at least $200 million worth of goods. A June 2024 search uncovered $20 million in counterfeit items such as shoes and luxury handbags in one warehouse used by the group.

Seven defendants were detained last Friday, while an eighth was captured on Saturday. One individual remains at large. The arrested parties pleaded not guilty during their arraignment in United States District Court, where a trial is set for March 18.

Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally emphasized the importance of secure ports and borders: "The smuggling of huge amounts of contraband from China through our nation’s largest port hurts American businesses and consumers."

Eddy Wang from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles stated: "The $1.3 billion dollars’ worth of contraband seized... illuminates how complex smuggling schemes try to exploit our legitimate trade practices."

The indictment outlines activities from August 2023 to June 2024 involving several defendants:

- Weijun Zheng, also known as "Sonic," who manages multiple logistics firms.

- Hexi Wang manages K&P International Logistics LLC.

- Jin “Mark” Liu owns K&P International Logistics LLC.

- Dong “Liam” Lin operated a contraband warehouse with Zheng.

- Marck Anthony Gomez owns Fannum Trucks LLC.

- Andy Estuardo Castillo Perez drives for M4 Transportation Inc.

- Jesse James Rosales coordinates trucking from ports to warehouses.

- Daniel Acosta Hoffman collaborates with Rosales on cargo transport.

- Galvin Biao Liufu oversees truck drivers moving contraband into warehouses.

The accused maintained warehouses to store illegally imported goods. When containers were selected for inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), commercial drivers transported them to conspirator-controlled sites where security seals were broken, contents removed, and replaced with fake seals before returning them for official inspection.

Cheryl Davies from CBP highlighted their efforts: "This case attests to their unwavering vigilance... in protecting the integrity of lawful trade."

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, they face significant prison sentences ranging up to 20 years per smuggling count.

Homeland Security Investigations is leading this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force operation alongside other agencies. Prosecutors Colin S. Scott and Amanda B. Elbogen are handling the case.