|
In Memeoriam: Dr. Henry C. Lee It is with the deepest sorrow and profound regret that the International Organization of Asian Crime Investigators and Specialists (IOACIS) announces the passing of Dr. Henry C. Lee a world renowned forensic scientist whose extraordinary contributions to the field of criminal investigations have left an enduring global legacy. Dr. Lee’s distinguished career spanned decades of groundbreaking work in forensic science. He was instrumental in advancing investigative methodologies, strengthening the role of scientific evidence in the pursuit of justice, and shaping the standards by which modern forensic investigations are conducted. His work has had a profound impact on law enforcement agencies and forensic professionals across the world, including many within the IOACIS community. As a result of Dr. Lee’s lifelong devotion to forensic science, the University of New Haven in Connecticut established and dedicated the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science, where Dr. Lee taught as a Professor, carried out and shared his vast experience and expertise, helping to shape the next generation of forensic professionals. Dr. Lee was one of the founding fathers of IOACIS, playing a vital role in shaping the organization’s mission and its commitment to international collaboration in criminal investigations and interagency cooperations. Dr. Lee was the corner stone of IOACIS since its’ inception playing a major role as IOACIS Honorary Advisory Board member. Dr. Lee’s outstanding generosity and guidance to IOACIS were immeasurable. Dr. Lee also served as a distinguished guest keynote speaker many times for the International Conference on Transnational Organized Crime and Terrorism (ICTOCT), where attendees from around the world benefited from his vast knowledge of criminal investigations, forensic science and advanced investigative techniques. He was scheduled to speak at this year’s ICTOCT in Honolulu to discuss the latest trends and advancing techniques on “Missing Persons” investigations. Throughout his life, Dr. Lee exemplified the highest ideals of professionalism, integrity, and service. As an educator and mentor, he inspired generations of investigators and specialists, generously sharing his knowledge and experience while fostering international collaboration values that closely align with the mission and spirit of IOACIS. The loss of Dr. Lee is deeply felt across our organization and the broader global law enforcement and forensic science communities. His legacy will continue to guide and influence the pursuit of truth and justice for years to come. On behalf of IOACIS, we extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Lee’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who were privileged to know and work alongside him. We honor his life, his achievements, and his unwavering dedication to the advancement of forensic science and international cooperation. The IOACIS Executive Board stands united in honoring Dr. Lee’s remarkable legacy and reaffirms its commitment to advancing the principles of excellence, integrity, and international collaboration that he so passionately championed. Dr. Lee will be greatly missed and forever remembered. Rest in Peace Dr. Lee. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ International Organization of Asian Crime Investigators and Specialists Quarterly Newsletter March 15, 2026
Welcome to the IOACIS Quarterly Newsletter. This is the third edition of the IOACIS newsletter, designed to keep you informed about the latest developments and trends in Asian Organized Crime. Staying informed about these dynamic and evolving threats is important, both regionally and globally. The goal is to provide timely updates, analyses, and insights into recent occurrences, shifts in criminal operations, and efforts to combat this pervasive problem, which impacts communities globally. Feedback is welcome, and you're encouraged to share your thoughts, questions, or areas of interest for future issues. You can forward your submissions and suggestions to Nick Eftimiades at nue35@psu.edu.
1. The Digital Evolution: "Industrial-Scale" Cyber-Scams The Victim Pipeline: Over 300,000 individuals from more than 75 countries have been trafficked into these centers as of late 2025. Victims are lured by high-paying tech jobs, then held captive through torture and extortion to perform "pig butchering" scams.
Massive Volume: Chinese-language money laundering networks (CMLNs) processed an estimated $16.1 billion in illicit funds in 2025 alone—accounting for roughly 20% of the global crypto-crime market. Surveillance & Harassment: In March 2026, Italian authorities expelled eight Chinese nationals suspected of acting as informants for surveillance networks targeting the Chinese diaspora. One individual was linked to the harassment of prominent dissident Li Ying in Milan. Synthetic Drug Networks: Asian Triads like the 14K continue to supply essential chemical precursors to Mexican cartels for fentanyl production. There is an ongoing shift toward methamphetamine smuggling into Australia and New Zealand, which may spark violent clashes with rival cartels in 2026. The "Prince Group" Takedown (October 2025) Massive Scope: Authorities designated 146 individuals and entities for operating industrial-scale "pig butchering" scam centers. Karen National Army (KNA): Designated as a TCO in May 2025. Leader Saw Chit Thu was sanctioned for turning the Shwe Kokko border region into a lawless "haven" for trafficking and cybercrime. Intelligence Notes The head of Prince Holding Group, Chen Zhi (also known as "Vincent"), was not extradited from Cuba; rather, he was arrested in Cambodia and extradited to China on January 6, 2026. Details of the Extradition and Charges Arrest and Extradition: Cambodian authorities arrested Chen Zhi and two other Chinese nationals, extraditing them to China on January 6, 2026, following a months-long joint investigation. Counterfeit & Pirated Goods: Estimated at approximately $467 billion as of 2021. Some broader estimates including domestic and international pirated goods suggest a range as high as $1.7 trillion to $4.5 trillion. Global Drug Trade: Generally estimated to be worth between $426 billion and $652 billion. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime notes that the market continues to expand, with cocaine production hitting new records in recent years. Administrative Information Penn State University graduate students from the Homeland Security Program are available to support member needs by producing Open-Source research papers. For details contact: Nick Eftimiades, nue35@psu.edu Newsletter
International Organization of Asian Quarterly Newsletter Welcome to the IOACIS Quarterly Newsletter. Investigations Maoxuan Xia and Zhou Yu, of China, and Shao Neng Lin, of Baldwin Park California, were
Research and News Reports The Business of Exploitation: The economics of cyber scam operations in Southeast
International Organization of Asian Crime Investigators and Specialists Quarterly Newsletter August 06, 2025 Welcome to the IOACIS Quarterly Newsletter. This is the (re-booted) inaugural edition of the IOACIS newsletter, designed to keep you informed about the latest developments and trends in Asian Organized Crime. Staying informed about these dynamic and evolving threats is important, both regionally and globally. The goal is to provide timely updates, analyses, and insights into recent occurrences, shifts in criminal operations, and efforts to combat this pervasive problem, which impacts communities globally. Feedback is welcome, and you're encouraged to share your thoughts, questions, or areas of interest for future issues. You can forward your submissions and suggestions to Nick Eftimiades at nue35@psu.edu. Investigations Japanese Yakuza Leader – Takeshi Ebisawa, 2022 ? Arrested in 2022 in New York for an alleged drug-for-missiles conspiracy—selling methamphetamine and heroin in the U.S. to purchase surface-to-air missiles for Myanmar rebel groups. ? Status: Guilty in 2025, Department of Justice Chinese organized crime networks operating in Maine, 2024 ? In 2024, police agencies conducted a series of raids targeting illicit marijuana cultivation sites throughout rural communities in the state. ? Arrests were made. The DoJ seized four properties. ? An internal DHS memo identified 270 sites. ? Status: Investigation is ongoing. Chinese organized crime war in Italy 2025. Recent killings between Chinese organized crime groups are seen as part of the escalating "war of the hangers", a turf conflict originating in Prato’s textile district over control of logistics for the booming fast fashion industry. Rivalries between Chinese organized crime groups in Italy has been rising since 2010. Philippines. The Philippines Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission recently arrested Tony Yang, accusing him of leading a network of Chinese organized crime groups that established themselves in online gambling and online fraud businesses in the Philippines. In June, The Philippine government deported 100 Chinese nationals involved in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) to Shanghai. Despite the deportations, the Organized Crime Commission stated in June that over 9,000 POGO workers are believed to still be in the Philippines. Research and News Reports The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’ annual report (May 2025) noted significant growth throughout 2024 in the production of methamphetamines in Southeast Asia. Transnational Organized Crime groups in East and Southeast Asia are spreading their online scam operations across the globe in response to increased crackdowns by authorities. These online scam operations target U.S. residents and other countries via romance/investment “pig butchering”[1] schemes, exploiting AI/deepfakes and crypto tools. Shift from Yakuza to decentralized “Tokury?” (April 2025). Japan’s notorious Yakuza mobsters appear be falling out of fashion. Their numbers are dwindling as young freelancers prefer to perform tasks independent of a structured organization. Canadian Banks Tied to Chinese Fentanyl Laundering Risk U.S. Treasury Sanctions (March 2025) New US designations of terrorist organizations risk sanctions against Canadian banks not policing money laundering activities of the Sinaloa cartel. Canadian media reports state that the financiers and money launderers tied to Chinese triads in Canada can be directly linked to fentanyl-trafficking Mexican cartels. If Canadian banks are shown to be facilitating these funds, even passively, they may be subject to U.S. regulations—including terrorism finance sanctions.
|
