
A sprawling smuggling operation that allowed counterfeit goods and illegal imports to flood into the U.S. has been exposed, leading to the arrest of nine individuals accused of orchestrating the scheme. The network allegedly used fraudulent customs seals and manipulated transport routes to bring at least $200 million worth of contraband through the busy Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex.
Feds uncover $200 million smuggling operation tied to China pic.twitter.com/mjTgWfVr9N
— Karli Bonne’ 🇺🇸 (@KarluskaP) January 28, 2025
Authorities say the operation relied on insiders with access to shipping details. The suspects allegedly obtained advance knowledge of container security codes, which were then used to create counterfeit customs seals in China. These seals were shipped to the U.S. and used to mask the illegal movement of goods.
👉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
Rather than delivering flagged shipments to secondary inspection sites as required, truck drivers working with the ring diverted them to off-site storage facilities. There, the contraband—including counterfeit designer products, hazardous chemicals, and unauthorized food items—was unloaded, and the containers were refilled with filler cargo. Fake seals were then applied to make the containers appear untouched before they were sent back for customs clearance.
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
During the investigation, authorities seized more than $130 million in smuggled merchandise, including a major raid that uncovered $20 million in counterfeit luxury items last summer. The indictment names several individuals accused of playing key roles in the smuggling ring, including Weijun Zheng, a fugitive logistics company owner, and others involved in trucking and warehouse operations.
Eight suspects have been taken into custody, while Zheng remains at large. Officials warn that additional arrests could follow as investigators work to identify all involved in the operation.