CANTON, Texas — Two men from China are accused of money laundering after police say they were found with $250,000 worth in gold bars during a traffic stop Thursday on Interstate 20 in Van Zandt County.
Discovery of Gold Bars
In a search of the vehicle, a detective found a bag behind the driver’s seat with multiple pieces of gold bars inside. The value of the gold bars totaled about $250,000, according to an affidavit.
Arrests and Investigation
Weijian Chen, 25, and Wenqiang Lin, 46, were arrested for money laundering between $150,000 and $300,000, according to court records. Van Zandt County District Attorney Tonda Curry provided updates on the arrests and investigation during a news conference.
Background of the Men
Further investigation revealed that Lin entered the United States illegally in 2023, while Chen also arrived in the country around the same time and was given a notice to appear in court. During an interview at the Van Zandt County Jail, Chen disclosed that he received the gold bars from someone asking him to take the gold to Dallas. Lin mentioned his journey from China to the U.S. through other countries.
Connections to Cartel Activity
Authorities discovered that Lin and Chen had previously been stopped in Georgia and had traveled through various states before being pulled over in Texas. Curry mentioned that based on their travel history, she believes they were working with a cartel, indicating a possible involvement in criminal activities related to cartel operations.
Insight on Migration from China
Deana Brown, founder of Freedom Seekers International, shed light on the reasons behind people leaving China, citing communism as a prime motivator. She also highlighted that while some migrants may engage in illicit activities due to lack of work permits, the circumstances of Chen and Lin suggest they may not be refugees but potentially involved in criminal operations.
Legal Proceedings
Curry emphasized that formal charges have not yet been filed against the two men and reiterated that they have been arrested for money laundering. To secure a conviction, her office would need to demonstrate their engagement in unlawful activities.
