The United States government has secured a temporary restraining order against two logistics companies and their owner, preventing them from using the United States Postal Service (USPS) to ship packages with counterfeit postage. The action targets YDH Express, Inc., YDH Int’l Inc., and their owner/operator Yizhao Hou, also known as Harvey Hou. These companies are based in Queens, New York, and Los Angeles, California.
On May 15, 2025, a civil complaint was filed in federal court in Brooklyn alleging that the defendants have engaged in mail fraud by shipping thousands of parcels through USPS using counterfeit postage labels. The complaint seeks injunctive relief under the Anti-Fraud Injunction Act and additional remedies for financial losses incurred by USPS. Following this filing, United States District Judge Natasha C. Merle issued a temporary restraining order on May 16, 2025.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella stated: “The Postal Service provides essential services to Americans, and we will not tolerate attempts by unscrupulous overseas businesses using fake postage to unlawfully deprive USPS of revenue it is entitled to.” He acknowledged the efforts of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) in addressing this issue.
Edward Gallashaw from USPIS commented on the situation: “Hou allegedly cared only about making a profit at the expense of the USPS...Postal Inspectors will use all of our resources to put an end to the use of counterfeit postage and hold accountable all who seek to defraud the USPS.”
The complaint alleges that these companies have conspired with sellers in China to ship parcels bearing counterfeit USPS labels. This activity has reportedly deprived USPS of significant revenue. Additionally, it accuses them of violating the False Claims Act (FCA), which allows for treble damages against those defrauding the government.
According to the temporary restraining order issued on May 16, there is "probable cause" indicating ongoing mail fraud activities by these defendants. The court expressed concern over "irreparable harm" that could result if these activities continue without intervention.
For reporting mail-related crimes such as theft or fraud involving U.S. mail, individuals can contact the Postal Inspection Service at their national toll-free number or visit their website.
This case is being managed by Assistant United States Attorneys David A. Cooper and Logan J. Gowdicott from the Office’s Civil Division with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Loan Nguyen.
