News Summary
A complex money laundering operation in South Carolina has led to the arrest of three men connected to a $30 million scheme involving drug trafficking. The Ullah brothers and Puquan Huang are facing serious charges for conspiracy to launder money, which includes shipping illicit cash through an electronics business. Their operation is reportedly tied to international drug cartels and highlights significant challenges faced by law enforcement in combating sophisticated crime.
South Carolina Residents Caught in Daring $30 Million Drug Money Laundering Scheme
Columbia, South Carolina – A major announcement was made recently regarding a complex money laundering operation that’s tied to Sumter, South Carolina, and an international scheme linked to China. This operation, which has captured the attention of law enforcement and the public alike, has resulted in the arrest of three men who are now behind bars.
On April 24, 2025, in a press conference held in Columbia, the acting U.S. attorney in the District of South Carolina outlined just how sprawling and sophisticated this scheme was. The case involves a staggering estimated $30 million in drug money, and it’s being labeled as one of the largest operations of this kind in the state’s history.
Who Are the Accused?
The three individuals facing serious charges in this scandal are Naim Ullah, age 32, and his 28-year-old brother Nasir Ullah, both hailing from Sumter, along with 49-year-old Puquan Huang who lives in Buford, Georgia. They are charged with conspiracy to launder money, and if convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison.
The Scheme Explained
Authorities report that the Ullah brothers and Huang were involved in a network that allegedly stored big bundles of drug money within two properties located in Sumter. These homes on Currituck Drive and Rhododendron Street became crucial bases for their illicit activities.
What makes this operation particularly noteworthy is the method employed to move the cash. The trio reportedly laundered the money through an electronics business that sent shipments not only to China but also to the Middle East and various other locations. The investigation into this scheme shed light on how organized and intricate their operation was, utilizing both U.S. and Chinese currency, which posed considerable challenges for law enforcement trying to crack down on their activities.
Drug Connections and Travels
This operation isn’t just about money; it’s deeply intertwined with drug trafficking. The international syndicate is accused of smuggling illegal drugs like cocaine and fentanyl into the U.S., primarily sourced from Mexico, for distribution across various states. Through a careful web of collection routes, the Ullah brothers and Huang are said to have traveled multiple times a week throughout the southeast, gathering drug proceeds from several counties in South Carolina, including Charleston, Richland, Sumter, and York.
Investigation Origins
The investigation into this sophisticated scheme initially began while authorities were looking into two major Mexican drug cartels, specifically the infamous Jalisco and Sinaloa cartels. As the layers were peeled back during the investigation, the depth of the Ullah brothers’ and Huang’s operations became increasingly clear.
Legal Proceedings
Upon the unsealing of their indictment on April 23, 2025, the Ullah brothers entered pleas of not guilty. Huang, on the other hand, has yet to make a court appearance as he awaits proceedings at the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center. This case promises to keep the public’s attention as legal conversations unfold and as more details about the operation come to light.
The repercussions of this scandal extend far beyond the three arrested individuals; it’s a significant glimpse into the broader issues related to drug trafficking and money laundering. With an operation as large and intricate as this, it’s a stark reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces in combating such sophisticated crimes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia
- Wikipedia: Money laundering
- CBS News
- Google Search: money laundering colombia
- WWLP
- Google Scholar: money laundering
- Times of Israel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: money laundering
- WIS News
- Google News: money laundering arrests
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
