California Man Pleads Guilty to Role in International Money Laundering, Drug Dealing Conspiracy

In a significant crackdown on international money laundering and drug trafficking, Qinliang Chen of Rosemead, Calif., admitted guilt to conspiracy charges Monday.

The 34-year-old was implicated in a vast operation, allegedly spearheaded by Jin Hua Zhang, which spanned across the United States and several countries. Zhang pleaded guilty in Sept. to operating a $25 million money laundering ring that also distributed narcotics.

Chen’s guilty plea to conspiracy to commit money laundering was accepted by U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley, who has set the sentencing for July 9, 2024. This development follows the May 2023 charges against Chen and 11 others, connecting them to an organization accused of laundering at least tens of millions of dollars from illicit activities, including drug trafficking.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, announced these developments, highlighting the global reach of Zhang’s network.

Initially detected in the greater Boston area in 2021, the organization’s activities were traced back to various countries, including China, India, Cambodia, and Brazil, according to the U.S. Dept. of Justice.

As a courier for Zhang’s operation, Chen was caught transporting substantial sums of money to a cooperating witness in Florida, once even attempting to move more than $99,000 through Orlando International Airport undetected. His role was crucial in the organization’s efforts to launder money from drug proceeds and other illegal activities, converting these funds into cryptocurrency to evade law enforcement and banking security.

Zhang’s organization not only laundered money but also actively distributed narcotics in Massachusetts, including cocaine and MDMA.

The charges against Chen and Zhang carry severe penalties, reflecting the gravity of their crimes. While Chen faces up to 20 years in prison, Zhang’s involvement in drug trafficking could result in a life sentence. These cases underscore the U.S. government’s dedication to rooting out international crime syndicates that threaten community safety and security.

The Dept. of Justice did not release any information about the immigration statuses of Zhang, Chen, or the unnamed co-conspirators.

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