DAYTON, OH — The United States has filed a civil forfeiture complaint targeting assets connected to an alleged $126 million illegal staffing and money laundering operation involving undocumented workers at multiple Ohio factories, federal officials announced Monday.
The complaint, filed April 2, comes after a wide-ranging investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which executed federal search warrants in July 2024 at Fuyao Glass America (FGA) in Moraine and 27 other locations in the Dayton area.
According to the 74-page complaint, multiple suspects created about 40 companies, referred to as “target entities,” to supply undocumented labor to factories — including FGA — by harboring and transporting workers who either illegally entered the U.S. or lacked legal work authorization. The suspects allegedly smuggled workers, many of Chinese or Hispanic descent, through Mexico and housed them in boarding-style accommodations owned by the target entities.
“These target entities allegedly operated a coordinated scheme to exploit undocumented workers and conceal the resulting financial proceeds through extensive money laundering,” said ICE HSI Detroit Acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “Collaboration across multiple law enforcement agencies helps to ensure accountability for both employers and the workforce.”
The government alleges that more than $126 million was paid by FGA to the entities under investigation. Within days of receiving payment, the funds were allegedly moved through a network of limited liability companies to obscure their origins. Investigators say the money was then used for personal enrichment, including the purchase of real estate, vehicles, and luxury goods.
The civil forfeiture filing seeks to seize seven bank accounts, 12 properties in the Dayton area, two out-of-state properties, 15 vehicles, and luxury items, including a Cartier watch.
Key Points
- Federal authorities allege a $126M illegal staffing and money laundering scheme in Dayton, Ohio.
- Workers were allegedly smuggled into the U.S., housed by employers, and employed without authorization.
- The U.S. seeks to seize properties, vehicles, bank accounts, and luxury goods tied to the operation.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say further enforcement actions are possible as the case develops.