Zhi Dong Zhang, also known by several aliases including “Brother Wang,” was arraigned in the Eastern District of New York on charges related to international drug trafficking and money laundering. The 38-year-old Chinese citizen was arrested in Mexico after authorities there issued a warrant based on extradition requests from U.S. federal courts in New York and Georgia. He was returned to the United States on October 23 and ordered detained pending trial.
According to the Department of Justice, Zhang has been identified as a Consolidated Priority Organization Target (CPOT), a designation reserved for the most significant narcotics traffickers globally.
“The defendant stands accused of running a global enterprise that pumped massive quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine into our communities and laundered millions in narcotics proceeds,” said U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd W. Blanche. “His return to the United States is a major step in dismantling a network that has fueled addiction, violence, and death. I’m grateful for the outstanding work of our prosecutors, agents, and international partners who refused to let him hide behind aliases, shell companies, or foreign borders. The Department of Justice will continue to target the world’s most dangerous traffickers, wherever they operate, and bring them to justice.”
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York stated: “As alleged, the defendant is a leader of one of the most prolific drug trafficking and money laundering organizations in the world who, together with his co-conspirators, imported thousands of kilograms of narcotics, including cocaine and methamphetamine, into the United States and other countries. The indictments he faces in the Eastern District of New York and the Northern District of Georgia will hold him responsible for the great harm he has caused.”
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia added: “Zhang’s transnational network was allegedly intricate, well-coordinated, and well-funded. However, through the great work of dedicated law enforcement agencies and valued cooperation from our international partners, Zhang’s poison pipeline has been shut off. Whether the perpetrators are here or hiding abroad, my office will continue to vigorously pursue anyone who is trafficking illegal narcotics in and through the Northern District of Georgia.”
Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York commented: “U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)’s arrest of Zhi Dong Zhang marks a decisive blow against the ruthless criminal enterprises responsible for flooding our streets with cocaine, meth and deadly fentanyl. The defendant’s alleged actions on behalf of the Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG have bolstered the operations of transnational criminal organizations responsible for peddling death in nearly every form – fueling an overdose epidemic, spreading violence, and destabilizing communities across the United States and beyond. One by one, year after year, the HSI New York Homeland Security Task Force will continue to wage an unyielding campaign against those who empower cartels to sow destruction and death for greed, ensuring that no corner of their criminal empire is beyond the reach of justice.”
Special Agent in Charge Robert J. Murphy from DEA Atlanta Division said: “This arrest represents a critical milestone in a long-running investigation into an alleged high-level narcotics trafficker with international reach. A defendant wanted on warrants out of Eastern District of New York and the Northern District of Georgia has now been taken into custody, thanks to years of coordinated work by DEA and our partners. We will continue to follow the evidence and the money until the leadership of these organizations is dismantled.”
The Justice Department acknowledged support from multiple agencies including U.S. Attorney’s Office for Southern District Texas; U.S Marshals Service; DOJ’s Office International Affairs; HSI Mexico City; HSI Rio Grande Valley; as well as Mexican authorities.
Court documents allege that since June 2016 Zhang led an organization operating out of Mexico that imported large quantities—thousands of kilograms—of cocaine and methamphetamine into both U.S territory and other countries while laundering at least $77 million through over 100 shell companies set up using fraudulent documentation.
Prosecutors allege that members known as "banqueros" opened bank accounts under false identities at various banks across America where proceeds were deposited before being wired abroad under supervision from coordinators based in Mexico.
In addition to activities traced back through seizures—including 46 kilograms cocaine seized along with 58 kilograms methamphetamine plus almost seven kilograms fentanyl—the organization reportedly recruited individuals specifically tasked with managing financial transactions linked directly to narcotics sales.
If convicted on all counts detailed in indictments filed separately by both Eastern District New York's International Narcotics & Money Laundering Section (with Assistant U.S Attorneys Miranda Gonzalez & Vincent Chiappini prosecuting) as well as Northern District Georgia—the latter referencing Zhang's direct involvement negotiating deliveries totaling 11 kilograms cocaine plus one kilogram fentanyl delivered Atlanta early 2022—the defendant could face life imprisonment.
The case forms part Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative leveraging resources from DOJ's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) alongside Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN)—aimed at disrupting transnational criminal organizations operating within or targeting American communities.
An indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
