HUMAN TRAFFICKING WATCH · DISPATCH
Clemson Restaurant Operation Yields Trafficking Arrests
Multi-agency operation alleges labor exploitation and money laundering tied to China Express.
Three people tied to China Express were arrested after Clemson police, with state and federal partners, executed warrants in a months-long labor trafficking investigation that began when a victim came forward in May.
On Thursday, investigators executed coordinated search and arrest warrants at China Express, the restaurant at 501 Old Greenville Highway, following a months‑long Clemson Police Department probe that began in May when a victim came forward, Captain Matt Culbreath said. Teams from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Homeland Security Investigations, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, and Clemson University Police assisted with the operation. Detectives said the inquiry centered on alleged labor trafficking — workers compelled to labor in violation of wage and hour laws and without normal compensation — undercutting the promise of lawful employment. Three people tied to the business were taken into custody as the scene was secured and evidence cataloged (Feliciano & Howland, n.d.; FOX Carolina News, n.d.).
Mingqiang Chen, 38, identified by police as one of the restaurant’s two owners, was charged with criminal conspiracy and first‑offense human trafficking. Hui Ying Zheng, 49, the other owner, and Chun Min Lin, 49, an employee, were each charged with criminal conspiracy, first‑offense human trafficking, and money laundering greater than $100,000. Police announced the charges at a news conference and said all three arrests arose from the same investigation at the business. The department said these charges will proceed through the courts like any other felony case (Feliciano & Howland, n.d.).
Authorities said they identified adult victims connected to the worksite and immediately offered services and support; based on the current evidence, investigators do not believe any children were involved. Some individuals encountered during the operation had questionable immigration status, and the Department of Homeland Security is assisting on that dimension while local detectives focus on the labor allegations. Officials added that those affected have been connected to resources, and interviews and documentation reviews would continue in the days ahead (Feliciano & Howland, n.d.).
Investigators said the scope of possible financial wrongdoing is reflected in the money‑laundering counts that cite transactions exceeding $100,000. Evidence seized during the searches, including business records, will undergo detailed review, and as that analysis proceeds additional victims or charges are possible. Police Chief Jorge Campos said the investigation remained active after Thursday’s operation and would continue with state and federal partners until the facts are fully accounted for (Feliciano & Howland, n.d.).
Michael Kirksey, a regular patron who arrived as officers moved in, observed a measured law‑enforcement presence as teams secured the restaurant and the area outside, a reminder that trafficking investigations can surface in familiar places. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty; if you or someone you know needs help, call the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1‑888‑373‑7888 or text 233733 (BEFREE) for confidential, 24/7 assistance (Feliciano & Howland, n.d.; FOX Carolina News, n.d.).
Locations: Old Bailey, Clemson
Tags: investigation, labor, local, state, federal