US, HK bust huge operation smuggling China-made clothes

Los Angeles

UNITED States and Hong Kong authorities have smashed a massive operation smuggling Chinese-made clothing, believed to be the largest such find ever uncovered on the US West Coast.

The elaborate scheme involved more than US$600 million worth of Chinese-made apparel being illegally imported into the US under the pretence that the merchandise was destined for companies in Mexico, when in fact it was delivered to buyers throughout the US. The multinational operation was aimed at avoiding US import duties and quotas, officials said.