Overview
- Yan Lin, 41, was arrested in California and charged in the Southern District of Ohio with conspiracy to launder drug proceeds, an offense carrying up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
- Investigators allege the operation collected bulk cash in U.S. cities, purchased electronics shipped to contacts in Hong Kong and China, and then arranged equivalent payments in Mexico through parallel transactions.
- A 2024 ledger obtained by authorities documented roughly $27.4 million in cash deliveries tied to U.S. sales of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
- HSI, IRS Criminal Investigations, the DEA, and the FBI led the multi-agency probe, which remains active as officials work to identify other members of the network.
- Court proceedings are underway in Cincinnati, and a detention hearing was postponed to January 20 due to an interpreter issue, while Lin’s citizenship has not been publicly confirmed.