Federal authorities have arrested nine individuals linked to a massive smuggling operation that funneled counterfeit and illegal goods worth at least $200 million into America through the bustling Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
This intricate operation exploited logistics companies, warehouse operators, and corrupt truck drivers to import vast quantities of illegal merchandise, including counterfeit goods and harmful chemicals, thus bypassing U.S. customs regulations.
The defendants now face severe charges, including conspiracy, smuggling, and breaking customs seals.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally described the operation as a significant breach of national security during a press conference.
According to McNally, the criminals exploited the security system by obtaining advanced knowledge of the unique serial numbers of seals assigned to shipments.
They produced identical counterfeit seals in China, which were then shipped to accomplices in the U.S. These duplicate fake seals were designed to circumvent the normal inspection process.
Instead of transporting containers to designated secondary inspection sites, corrupt truck drivers were directed by the members of the conspiracy to take them to nearby warehouses. There, the seals were cut, the illegal goods removed, and new counterfeit seals applied before being sent back for Customs inspection.
Hellbound and Down 