Despite years of petitioning multiple government agencies and a subsequent DHS raid, Sunsong continues to operate its business in Moraine, Ohio with impunity. Competitor's 301 tariff fraud was investigated and exposed over four years ago—yet the system continues to stall.

Featured Coverage

Featured Audio

NPR Planet Money

"The Trade Fraud Detective"

August 23, 2024

🎧 In-depth audio investigation into how American companies became detectives in their own fight against Chinese trade fraud

▶️ Listen to Full Investigation

Investigation

The Wire China

June 16, 2024

"The Tariff Toll: Enforcement, DOJ, CBP, DHS, Plews and Edelmann"

Read Investigation

Congressional

House CCP Committee

Various dates

Congressional hearings and investigations into trade fraud

Watch 1-min announcement

2019-2021: The Investigation

Uncovering the Fraud

4-Year Investigation Period

Plews conducted extensive investigation of competitor Qingdao Sunsong ("Sunsong") over multiple years.

Transshipment Scheme Exposed

Investigation determined that Sunsong was transshipping products from China through Thailand to its U.S. subsidiary to evade Section 301 tariffs.

Evidence Gathering

Comprehensive documentation of systematic tariff fraud affecting the automotive parts industry.

2021: Legal Action

False Claims Act Filing

False Claims Act Case Filed

Plews filed False Claims Act (FCA) case with the DOJ Central District of California, presenting evidence of systematic fraud.

DOJ Declines to Intervene

Despite clear evidence of fraud, the Department of Justice declined to intervene in the case.

CBP e-Allegation Filed

Plews submitted e-allegation with CBP for 301 tariff evasion and requested intervention from the Trade Fraud Task Force (Civil Division, DOJ).

2023: Congressional Intervention

Escalating to Congress

Government Inaction

After 1+ year of no government response, Plews appeals to Congressman LaHood (IL-16) for support.

House Select Committee on the CCP Acts

Select Committee on the CCP sends open letter to Secretary Mayorkas (DHS) and AG Merrick Garland (DOJ) petitioning their agencies to act.

Bipartisan Congressional Pressure

Congressional intervention demonstrates bipartisan concern about trade fraud enforcement failures.

2024: Federal Raid

DHS Takes Action

DHS Raids Ohio Warehouse

Department of Homeland Security conducts raid on Sunsong's warehouse in Ohio, validating years of Plews' allegations. Axios coverage

Retailer Warning Letters

House CCP Committee sends inquiry letters to major autoparts retailers that continue to buy from Sunsong, highlighting criminal and civil liability risks.

Media Explosion

Federal raid generates massive media coverage with 70+ articles across major news outlets worldwide.

2025: Investigation Continues

Still No Charges

Ongoing DOJ/DHS Investigation

Federal investigation continues with no criminal charges filed despite overwhelming evidence and federal raid.

Select Committee on the CCP Issues Formal Request to Strengthen Trade Crime Enforcement

Select Committee issues letter urging Pam Bondi, Kristie Noem and Jameson Greer to investigate transhipping and identifies Sunsong as a prime case study.

PAIL Act Catalyst

Case becomes catalyst for Protecting American Industry and Labor Act, demonstrating need for enhanced enforcement tools.

Legislative Impact

PAIL Act

Passed House (118th Congress)

DOJ Action

Trade Crime Priority

DHS Raid

Federal Enforcement

The Harsh Reality

"Competitor's 301 tariff fraud was investigated and exposed over four years ago—yet the system continues to stall."

"Despite years of petitioning multiple government agencies and a subsequent raid by DHS, Sunsong continues to import and sell product to U.S. consumers today."

"When federal raids don't lead to charges, the message is clear: trade crime pays."

6 Years. Federal Raid. 70+ Media Articles. Still No Justice.

National media attention. Congressional action. Federal raids. Yet the fraud continues.

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