Vessel Owner Sentenced to Prison for Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens and Defraud the United States

Saipan – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that Zhongli Pang, age 36, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), was sentenced in the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands to three months imprisonment with credit for time served.  Pang pled guilty for Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens and Conspiracy to Defraud the United States, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1324(a)(1)(A)(ii) and (v)(ii); 18 U.S.C. § 371.  The court also ordered one year of supervised release, 50 hours of community service, and a $200 special assessment fee.

In June 2024, Zhongli Pang and several co-conspirators paid $33,000 for a boat, which Pang registered.  As part of the scheme, Pang agreed to transport a group of twelve other individuals, all Chinese nationals living without lawful status, from the island of Saipan to Guam.  Pang and his co-conspirators knew they were not authorized to do so.  Pang’s only experience operating a boat was two short excursions he had taken a few days before attempting the crossing to Guam.  The overloaded boat ran out of fuel short of Guam, necessitating a sea rescue by the U.S. Coast Guard.  During his sentencing hearing, Pang acknowledged that his actions put many lives at risk and expressed his deep regret.    

“We will continue to target illegal aliens unlawfully traveling between the CNMI and Guam,” stated United States Attorney Anderson.  “The risk to personal safety is substantial.  Those interdicted also face imprisonment and immigration penalties.  We urge PRC nationals to fully comply with the CNMI’s parole program and return to China as agreed upon entry to Saipan. Enhanced enforcement efforts by DHS will result in the apprehension of those attempting to evade detection.”

“The arrest of Mr. Pang is a testament to HSI’s continued efforts to deter the extremely dangerous and unlawful movement of illegal aliens within the CNMI,” said Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas. “By holding criminals accountable, HSI works with state and local authorities to thwart future violations, ensuring the safety of our communities through continuing partnerships.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands Department of Public Safety.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric S. O’Malley prosecuted the case in the District of the Northern Mariana Islands.