WASHINGTON — Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) joined the Taiwan Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) on Oct. 21, in Taipei, Taiwan, to announce the results of a historic weapons smuggling investigation.
The investigation marked a first for law enforcement in Taiwan, where HSI was able to transport seized weapons and related components from the United States to Taiwan for use as prosecutorial evidence pursuant to a Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement.
“This case serves as a poignant example of how collaboration across borders can lead to effective law enforcement action against those who seek to undermine the safety of our communities,” said HSI Taipei Special Agent Jay Huang, in remarks delivered at the press conference. “We remain committed to dismantling the networks that facilitate such illegal activities and will continue to work closely with our international partners.”
The investigation began in May, when U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in Miami seized four parcels at the Miami International Mail Facility. The contents were manifested as "machine tools” and contained 16 disassembled handguns and numerous magazines destined for Keelung City, Taiwan. Upon discovering the weapons, HSI Taipei, in conjunction with HSI Miami, HSI Orlando, and HSI Los Angeles International Airport, initiated an international controlled delivery of the weapons from the U.S. to Taiwan. In June, CIB arrested five suspects, including one Taiwanese American from Orlando, involved in the conspiracy to smuggle weapons from the U.S. to Taiwan.
On Oct. 19, HSI Orlando agents, along with the CIB liaison officer assigned to Los Angeles, transported the seized weapons and related components from the U.S. to Taiwan, marking the first time in U.S. and Taiwan law enforcement history that weapons were brought to Taiwan for use in a criminal proceeding. The Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security provided support in obtaining the export license required to transport the 16 firearms and magazines to Taiwan in furtherance of local prosecution.
HSI regularly partners with international law enforcement agencies in an effort to combat transnational crime.