Homeland Security Investigations special agents, in collaboration with IRS Criminal Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, served federal search warrants at Fuyao Glass America's plant in Moraine, Ohio, and 27 other locations in the Dayton metropolitan area on July 26 as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into allegations of financial crimes and labor exploitation, according to a spokesperson.
Homeland Security Investigations Detroit Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey states that the investigation is focused on money laundering, potential human smuggling, labor exploitation and financial crimes. Activities tied to the investigation were going on in Dayton, Liberty Township, Miamisburg, Moraine and West Carrollton. Law enforcement vehicles and officials were seen at multiple residences in these areas.
At this time, federal investigators have not identified the third-party employment company involved in the probe.
Fuyao Glass releases statement
In a filing to the Shanghai Stock Exchange on July 28, Fuyao Glass released a statement saying that Fuyao Glass America was not the target of the investigation, and that U.S. government agencies searched its subsidiary on July 26 in Ohio as part of an ongoing investigation into a third-party employment services company. A spokesperson for Fuyao Glass America released the following statement on July 29.
"Last Friday, July 26, 2024, federal government agents and supporting local law enforcement officers visited Fuyao Glass America Inc. as part of an investigation which we believe involves certain contractor and its entities. While we believe FGA is not the target of this investigation, the company intends to cooperate fully with the investigation. As a result, part of our first shift and the second shift operations were suspended. FGA has resumed production in the third shift on the same day and we believe our production and delivery will not be impacted."
About Fuyao Glass
Fuyao Glass America Inc. is a "wholly owned subsidiary of the global Fuyao Glass Industry Group based in China." Fuyao Global reports it is the second-biggest glass manufacturer in the world and the largest in China. The Ohio plant manufactures glass for automobiles.
The company also produces float glass and construction glass. Fuyao Glass Illinois Inc. was founded in 2014 and is located in Decatur, Illinois.
