A man from Brooklyn, New York admitted his guilt in federal court in Boston for his involvement in a complex global organization engaged in money laundering and drug trafficking.
Rongjian Li, 38, has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, as confirmed by the Massachusetts Department of Justice. The sentencing for this case has been scheduled for June 5, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley.
In May 2023, Li became one of the 12 individuals charged in a superseding indictment for their alleged involvement in a sophisticated international money laundering and drug trafficking organization. Led by Jin Hua Zhang, the organization was responsible for laundering bulk cash for drug dealers and profits from various illegal businesses in exchange for a fee. Through undercover agents, it was discovered that Zhang and his organization managed to launder a staggering $25 million in drug proceeds and funds from other illegal activities within a year. Authorities were able to trace and seize these funds from accounts in Hong Kong and other locations including China, India, Cambodia, and Brazil.
Li, a Bank of America employee, played a key role in a money laundering conspiracy. From 2021 to 2022, he knowingly opened multiple accounts for the organization to launder illicit funds, even using fraudulent passports. When the bank’s financial auditing systems detected suspicious activity and flagged or froze accounts, Li assisted Zhang in evading the bank’s anti-money laundering protocols and transferring illicit funds to other locations. Furthermore, Li was present alongside Zhang during a dinner in New York, where Zhang divulged the varying fee percentages he charged criminal groups involved in drug trafficking and scams.
Zhang admitted his guilt in September 2023 and is set to receive his sentence on May 15, 2025.
The offense of money laundering conspiracy carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, along with up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000, or twice the amount involved, whichever is higher. A federal district court judge determines the sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes that apply to criminal cases.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl, Brian A. Fogerty, and Meghan C. Cleary of the Criminal Division.
The information provided in the indictment are mere allegations. It is important to remember that all the defendants who have not been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law are presumed innocent.
