Investigation of Fuyao Glass America for financial crimes and human trafficking

Evan Bales and Alex Pearson

2 hours ago

MORAINE, Ohio (WDTN) — After federal authorities raided several Fuyao Glass America locations on Friday, more information about the investigation is slowly coming to light.

Department of Homeland Security agents, IRS special agents, and local and state law enforcement officials worked together to investigate reports of financial crimes, money laundering, labor exploitation, and human smuggling.

John Hart, former general counsel at Cedarville University, says it may be some time before we know the exact allegations that led to the investigations at 27 sites. The Department of Homeland Security has released little information so far.

“The fact that a large number of workers were deployed suggests that this was not a rapid response but a carefully planned strategy,” Hart said.

Throughout the day, officers and agents were busy collecting evidence, talking to workers at the plant, and even making some arrests.

“This is actually the first beginning of the investigative process, at least publicly, that we’ve seen,” Hart said.

Hart also mentioned that the allegations of labor rights violations and financial crimes were quite broad.

A statement from the Department of Homeland Security reads in part:

This investigation is ongoing. We appreciate the public’s continued support in this case and remain committed to pursuing the facts and making our case in court.

Fuyao Glass America also issued a statement saying, in part:

Today, federal agents and assisting local law enforcement officers visited Fuyao Glass America, Inc. as part of an investigation that we believe involves certain FGA contractors. The company intends to cooperate fully with the investigation.

2 NEWS asked for an interview, but Fuyao declined.