Massive smuggling bust: 8 arrested in $200M scheme | LiveNOW from FOX

Federal authorities have arrested eight individuals in connection with a large-scale smuggling operation that allegedly brought counterfeit and illegal goods from China into the United States through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Eight individuals have been arrested and charged in a 15-count indictment for a smuggling operation that brought counterfeit goods from China into the U.S. through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, with a ninth suspect still at large.

The scheme, active from August 2023 to June 2024, involved manipulating shipping containers with counterfeit seals to bypass customs inspections, smuggling at least $200 million worth of goods.

The defendants face significant prison sentences, with arraignments underway and a trial set for March 18, as authorities continue to investigate and dismantle similar smuggling operations.

The defendants face significant prison sentences if convicted, with up to five years for each conspiracy count, 10 years for each count of breaking customs seals, and 20 years for each smuggling count.

$130 million: The value of counterfeit and dangerous materials seized in relation to this scheme.

$200 million: The estimated value of smuggled goods attributed to this scheme.

$1.3 billion: The value of smuggled goods involved in this and other similar schemes under investigation.

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[scotthamm]

Newsom need to be held accountable for swirl of problems

[carolineyu]

LA is the city where is no mayor, governor, laws, water, but fire.

[markdunigan]

The last four years felt like a criminal free-for-all.

[markrodrigue]

That's just the tip of the iceberg. There's no telling what else was smuggled

[Horsewoman-ptku]

Remove all land property and businesses in US from foreign ownership

[nannynae]

It’s scary how easily these criminals bypassed security. If $200M of goods can slip through, imagine what else could be getting into the country.

[scottc]

Amazing what they can do when their hands aren't tied behind their backs.

[NorthGhost]

Someone took the padlock off the toolbox. Amazing what you can do with a competent leader.

[greyfoxmt]

$200 million? That's probably just a drop in the bucket.

[gj]

Wow all of a sudden criminals caught. Finally

[maxpower]

If this is in LA I cannot imagine what is going on in Newark NJ

[MrSun]

California needs to investigate all government agencies.

[jaspajones]

The last four years was a free for all for criminals.

[lostinpa-dadenduro]

Another Democrat campaign revenue source stopped. They gonna be really hurting without the trafficking and smuggling kick backs.

[rachellaurent]

This just shows the last administration did not let these people do their job.

For those who may not know, the Port of Los Angeles is located in San Pedro, CA.

[HD-vyvz]

This sounds like a new position for the 88 000 IRS AGENTS. SEARCH ALL THE

[aliekatsmom]

Ask GOVERNOR NEWSOME I am sure he knows. People in there too?

[ytv]

Someone was getting greased for 4 years for this not to be exposed before.

[floare]

Finally, the news are not depressing and scary!!!