Zhongli Pang pleaded guilty to multiple charges after attempting to smuggle Chinese migrants into Guam
A Chinese national has been sentenced to federal prison for exploiting a little-known loophole in an effort to ferry a dozen illegal migrants to a U.S. territory.
Zhongli Pang, 36, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport illegal immigrants and conspiracy to defraud the United States after attempting to smuggle 12 Chinese nationals to the territory of Guam, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Tuesday.
“The arrest of Mr. Pang is a testament to HSI’s continued efforts to deter the extremely dangerous and unlawful movement of illegal aliens within the CNMI,” Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas said. “By holding criminals accountable, HSI works with state and local authorities to thwart future violations, ensuring the safety of our communities through continuing partnerships.”
Pang attempted to exploit a little-known loophole allowing Chinese visitors to travel to the Northern Mariana Islands without a visa, according to prosecutors.
However, Chinese migrants will occasionally take advantage of the visa waiver to sail to Guam, where a U.S. visa is required.
In June 2024, Pang, along with several co-conspirators, purchased a boat for $33,000 and plotted to ferry 12 Chinese nationals from the island of Saipan to Guam. Due to Pang’s limited boating experience and the risk of traveling approximately 100 miles by sea, the overcrowded vessel ran out of fuel and required rescue by the U.S. Coast Guard.
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