BOSTON – In a stunning blow to international crime syndicates, Yanbing Chen and Thong Nguyen have been sentenced for their roles in a massive money laundering operation tied to drug trafficking. Chen, a Chinese national unlawfully residing in Brooklyn, New York, was handed 57 months behind bars followed by three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
Nguyen, from Everett, Mass., received four months in prison, one year of home detention, and two additional years of supervised release for his involvement in the money laundering conspiracy. Both men were part of a 12-person group charged in May 2023 for their roles in an international organization led by Jin Hua Zhang.
According to charging documents, Zhang’s operation was first detected in 2021 and had laundered at least $25 million worth of drug proceeds and other illegal funds. Funds were traced and seized from the group to Hong Kong, China, India, Cambodia, Brazil, and beyond. Chen played a key role in delivering cash to undercover agents for conversion into cryptocurrency, while Nguyen laundered profits from a marijuana trafficking organization.
In July 2022, Chen was recorded by law enforcement as he delivered five kilograms of cocaine at Zhang’s direction. Nguyen laundered over $213,000 in marijuana proceeds during March and April 2022. Jin Hua Zhang pleaded guilty last September and is scheduled for sentencing on December 18, 2025.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and the FBI’s Boston Division Special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks announced the sentences today. The Quincy Police Department also played a crucial role in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl, Meghan C. Cleary, and Brian A. Fogerty of the Criminal Division are handling the prosecution.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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