Homeland Security at Fuyao, 27 other locations

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WDTN) — Members of Homeland Security have been spotted across the Dayton area.

Our 2 NEWS crew on scene first spotted members of Homeland Security in the area of Fox Run Road in Miami Township. Members were also spotted on Pensacola Boulevard in Moraine.

According to a Homeland Security Investigations Spokesperson, federal law enforcement officials are on scene of 28 local locations across numerous jurisdictions, including Fuyao Glass of America.

“Special Agents are on scene investigating allegations of financial crimes and labor exploitation,” the spokesperson said. “There is a large law enforcement presence in Dayton, Liberty Township, Miamisburg, Moraine and West Carrollton but there is no threat to public safety at this time.”

Authorities from the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol have been seen at the Dayton Mall. Officials from the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Montgomery County Sherriff’s Office are also on scene at the different locations.

According to Jared Murphey, acting special agent in charge for Homeland Criminal Investigations in Ohio and Michigan, investigators came to the Dayton area to serve 28 federal search warrants in numerous cities.

“Our investigation is focused on allegations of financial crime, money laundering, labor exploitation and potential human smuggling violations,” said Murphey. “As we speak, law enforcement is working diligently to identify victims, to provide them with services, and to gather evidence relevant to the investigation.”

Watch Murphey’s full statement below:

Karen Wingerd, special agent in charge for criminal investigations at Internal Revenue Service’s Cincinnati Office, worked as co-lead alongside partner agencies for the searches.

“CI Special agents are responsible for conducting financial crime investigation, including violations of the Internal Revenue Code, such as employment tax and other financial crimes, including narcotics trafficking and money laundering,” said Wingerd.

You are asked to avoid scenes where you may see law enforcement. There is no threat to the public.

If you have any information related to the investigation, either call 1-877-447-4847 or scan the QR code to the left.

Fuyao Glass America shared a statement with 2 NEWS regarding the investigation:

Today, federal government agents and supporting local law enforcement officers visited Fuyao Glass America, Inc. (“FGA”) as part of an investigation which we believe involves certain FGA contractors.  The Company intends to cooperate fully with the investigation.
As a result, part of our first shift and the second shift operations were suspended. FGA has resumed production in the third shift and we believe our production and delivery will not be impacted.”

Amy Lei, Vice President of Fuyao Glass America

Stay with 2 NEWS as we work to learn more.

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