**Massive Postal Fraud Unraveled: Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding USPS of Over 0 Million**
In a shocking indictment of postal integrity, a San Gabriel Valley woman has confessed to orchestrating an elaborate scam that defrauded the United States Postal Service (USPS) of a staggering 0 million.
**The Counterfeit Scheme**
Lijuan “Angela” Chen, 51, of Walnut, orchestrated the elaborate scheme by utilizing counterfeit postage stamps to ship an astounding number of packages—tens of millions by authorities’ estimation.
From November 2019 to May 2023, Chen and her accomplice, Chuanhua “Hugh” Hu, 51, operated a package shipping business in the City of Industry.
To save on costs, Hu printed and used counterfeit replicas of Netstamps—digital postage stamps purchased online and printed onto adhesive paper—to ship countless packages internationally on behalf of Chinese logistics companies.
**Foiled by Authorities**
In November 2019, authorities caught wind of the counterfeit operation, but Hu managed to flee the country to China, where he continued to produce the bogus postage stamps with impunity.
Undeterred by Hu’s escape, law enforcement officials proceeded with their investigation, which revealed that from January 2020 to May 2023, Chen and Hu shipped over 34 million packages using counterfeit postage and shipping labels.
**A 0 Million Loss**
Chen’s fraudulent actions caused a substantial loss to the USPS, estimated to be over 0 million. The investigation into the magnitude of this financial loss is still ongoing.
**Plea Agreement and Guilty Verdict**
Facing a daunting legal battle, Chen pleaded guilty to two charges: conspiracy to defraud the United States and the use of counterfeit postage. Since her arrest in May 2023, she has remained in federal custody.
As part of her plea agreement, Chen has agreed to forfeit funds seized from her bank accounts, insurance policies, and various real estate holdings in multiple cities, including Walnut, Chino, Chino Hills, South El Monte, Diamond Bar, and West Covina.
**Fugitive Accomplice and Pending Sentence**
Although Chen has admitted her guilt, her accomplice, Hu, remains a fugitive believed to be residing in China. He is facing charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, possession of counterfeit currency, and forging and counterfeiting postage stamps.
Chen is scheduled to be sentenced on August 2nd. If convicted, she faces potential imprisonment for up to five years on each count.
**Investigation and Collaboration**
This complex case is the result of a thorough investigation conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation teams, highlighting the collaborative efforts of federal agencies in combating significant financial crimes.
Data sourced from: ktla.com
