Nine Charged in $200M Smuggling Scheme at LA Ports

Federal authorities have arrested nine individuals connected to a sophisticated smuggling operation that imported over $200 million worth of counterfeit goods from China through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach between August 2023 and June 2024. The defendants, including logistics company executives and warehouse owners, allegedly evaded customs inspections by breaking seals on containers, replacing contraband with filler cargo, and resealing them with counterfeit seals. Investigators seized more than $130 million in counterfeit items during the investigation, including luxury handbags, watches, and shoes, with a significant raid yielding $20 million in contraband. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally highlighted the operation's impact on national security and American consumers, emphasizing the importance of secure ports. The lead defendant, Weijun Zheng, remains a fugitive and is believed to be in China, while the others face serious federal charges that could result in lengthy prison sentences. This case marks one of the largest trade fraud schemes detected at the Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex, reflecting ongoing challenges in combating counterfeit goods smuggling.