Pakistani national admits to evading cash reporting requirements

Editor's Note:
This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

HOUSTON – A 41-year-old man who ran a Houston area business has pleaded guilty to failing to report a more than $100,000 cash payment as required, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Asad Wali Kesaria unlawfully resided in Houston and operated Parts4Cells Inc. which bought and sold wholesale quantities of used cell phones.

On Aug. 14, 2024, the business received a $108,000 cash payment from Mexican customer “Celforb” that was intended for an order of cell phones. Kesaria personally handled the cash payment and confirmed the cash had been received.

The investigation revealed the money was proceeds from violations of the Controlled Substances Act.

Kesaria admitted he knew federal law requires businesses to report when they receive more than $10,000 in coins or cash. With intent to evade this reporting requirement, Kesaria caused the business to fail to report the $108,000 received.

U.S. District Judge Sim Lake will sentence Kesaria Feb. 12, 2026. At that time, Kesaria faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Kesaria has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation along with police departments in Houston and Galveston with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service and local police departments and sheriffs’ offices throughout the country.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Bauman, Sherin Daniel and Leo J. Leo III are prosecuting the case.