Chinese Money Laundering Network Linked to Baltimore Violence and Drug Trafficking Scheme

17 Indicted in Complex Nationwide Money Laundering and Drug Trafficking Operation Rooted in BaltimorePhoto byStock Image

By Kristy Tallman, October 14, 2024

Baltimore, MD – Seventeen individuals are facing federal charges in connection with a sophisticated money laundering and illegal marijuana distribution network tied to violent crime in Baltimore. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced the indictment on October 10, 2024, following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Authorities have already seized more than $6 million in cash and 2,000 pounds of marijuana as part of the investigation.

The defendants include individuals operating both locally and across state lines. Among those charged are Qihai Tao, Can Xu, Huayi Zhong, and Peng Huang, who are alleged to be part of a Chinese money laundering organization based in New York City. They collaborated with Maryland-based traffickers, such as Michael Micklos, Praveen Morgan, and William Brown III, to move large quantities of cash and drugs.

Authorities revealed that the scheme involved the bulk shipment of cash from Maryland to other states, including New York, New Jersey, and Oregon, to secure further marijuana shipments and disguise the origins of the money. Several Maryland residents, including Michael Tilmon III, Emanuel Dukes, Steven Mack, and Malik Bridgers, allegedly played key roles in trafficking drugs and laundering proceeds from these operations.

Tilmon and Mack also face additional charges for being in possession of firearms despite being prohibited individuals. If convicted, they could face up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.

The investigation began in March 2023 following two non-fatal shootings in Baltimore, which led authorities to uncover the larger, multi-state operation. According to federal officials, the operation stretched beyond Baltimore, using an extensive network of contacts to move money and drugs while concealing illegal profits through sophisticated laundering methods.

“This investigation demonstrates how organized international money laundering drives gun violence and illegal drug trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron. “Through the efforts of our OCDETF Strike Force and law enforcement partners, we are committed to dismantling these criminal organizations to protect public safety.”

DEA Washington Division Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget emphasized the importance of cooperation, explaining how the investigation disrupted a dangerous and complex network. "This case shows how illicit drug operations increasingly operate across borders, requiring enhanced collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies," Forget said. "By cutting off their financial lifeline, we can disrupt their entire operation.”

Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore highlighted how two seemingly isolated shootings in Baltimore evolved into a wide-ranging investigation, exposing a transnational network with connections across multiple states.

The investigation is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which focuses on dismantling the most significant criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, and violent crime. The Baltimore Strike Force includes agents from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies working together to target criminal networks operating across jurisdictions.

Prosecutors have coordinated with U.S. Attorneys from New York, New Jersey, Oregon, and Texas to support the investigation. Each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to engage in money laundering and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

It is important to note that the charges outlined in the indictment are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

If you've enjoyed this article, please consider Buying Me a Coffee. I am an Independent Journalist traipsing through the censorship to bring you the best local, state, and national news stories available.

By Kristy Tallman, October 14, 2024
The Republic News

If you have a news story or video you'd like shared, email kristy.tallman@therepublicheadlines.com.

#BaltimoreCrime #MoneyLaundering #DrugTrafficking #OCDETF #DEA #HSI #KristyTallman #TheRepublicNews