Trafficking, money laundering arrests made
Eight Fairfax County residents have been charged in nine separate criminal complaints, including cigarette trafficking, money laundering, identification fraud and identity theft schemes.
In all, 15 suspects were arrested in the joint operation investigated by more than a dozen local, state and national agencies.
According to court documents, the suspects allegedly conspired to buy more than $300,000 in untaxed, contraband cigarettes worth an estimated $4 million.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, "Some of the defendants conspired to launder the proceeds and others were additionally involved in the trafficking of counterfeit goods."
Court documents further said a number of suspects allegedly used a stolen Social Security number to obtain genuine drivers licenses and to open bank accounts.
Jung Ho Cho, 53, of Annandale was charged with conspiracy to transport, buy and distribute contraband cigarettes.
Dong Young Shin, 47, of Annandale was charged with identification document fraud.
In Chul Lee, 51, of Alexandria and Joung Hee Kim, 47, of Annandale were charged with conspiracy to commit passport fraud.
Paul Kookwon Park, 39, of Springfield, Jong Sung Chae, 40, and Young Woo Loh, 33, both of Fairfax were charged with conspiracy to commit social security fraud.
Yung Soo Kim, 44, of Springfield was charged with Social Security fraud.
Police also arrested suspects from Stafford and Fredericksburg, Virginia, as well as Illinois and Maryland.