Overview
- U.S. court records show Frank A. Pérez filed his appearance on Oct. 27, 2025, to represent Zhang before Judge Brian M. Cogan in the Eastern District of New York.
- Mexico transferred Zhang to U.S. custody in late October after Cuban authorities captured him on July 31, 2025, following his July 11 escape from house arrest in Mexico City.
- A South Texas magistrate directed that Zhang first face the Brooklyn case, and he was transported to EDNY on Oct. 24 after an initial appearance in Brownsville.
- In EDNY, Zhang faces narcotics and money-laundering counts tied to international cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking, while separate Georgia charges portray him as a leader of the 'Brother Wang' organization with a Nov. 17 hearing set.
- A DEA affidavit in the Georgia matter alleges at least 150 shell companies and 170 bank accounts moved about $20 million, and Pérez’s résumé includes defending Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and previously representing “Z-40.”