Three Charged in $30 Million International Money Laundering Operation

A federal grand jury in Florence, South Carolina, has indicted three individuals for their alleged roles in a vast money laundering operation linked to drug trafficking activities. Nasir Ullah, aged 28, and Naim Ullah, aged 32, both residents of Sumter, South Carolina, along with Puquan Huang, aged 49, of Buford, Georgia, stand accused of laundering tens of millions of dollars in illicit drug proceeds through China and the Middle East.

According to the indictment, unsealed today, the defendants conspired to process at least $30 million derived from the distribution of illegal substances, including cocaine and fentanyl. The scheme allegedly involved the collection of drug proceeds across the United States and covert communication with associates in China to obscure the illegal origins of the funds. Methods to disguise the laundering activities included the shipment of electronic goods internationally to give the appearance of legitimate transactions.

Matthew R Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, emphasised the significance of the case, stating:

As alleged in the indictment, the defendants laundered tens of millions of dollars in drug proceeds from the United States through China and the Middle East, enabling a continuous flow of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into our country from Mexico. Dismantling transnational criminal organisations and Chinese money laundering organisations that support them is a critical priority for the Department.

Acting U S Attorney Brook B Andrews for the District of South Carolina added, “This $30 million money laundering operation, which has international ties, was conducted in multiple communities in our state. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to trace these illicit funds, disrupt these networks, and hold those involved accountable for the harm they present.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in partnership with numerous federal, state, and local agencies, spearheaded the investigation. Acting Special Agent in Charge Jae W Chung of the DEA Atlanta Division highlighted the collaboration, stating:

This investigation and subsequent arrests demonstrate DEA’s commitment to protecting our community by destroying these drug trafficking and money laundering organisations.

The defendants each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted. The prosecution is being handled by Trial Attorneys Mary K Daly and Jasmin Salehi Fashami of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, together with Assistant U S Attorney Everett E McMillian for the District of South Carolina.

Support for the investigation was provided by the Third and Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Offices of South Carolina, alongside operational support from the DEA’s Charleston Resident Office, Special Operations Division, and other federal and local partners.

An indictment is an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Read the press release here.