LOS ANGELES, CA — An underground nightclub in El Monte was stormed by federal agents last month, leading to the arrest of nine illegal aliens and the seizure of dangerous drugs and thousands of scammed gift cards, all allegedly linked to a sprawling Asian organized crime network.
On July 19, ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents executed a search warrant at the illicit venue, uncovering a suspected criminal hub operating inside a warehouse-style nightclub. Officials say the bust is part of a wider crackdown on transnational crime groups accused of fueling drug trafficking, money laundering, and financial fraud in the Los Angeles region.
During the raid, agents with the El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force detained and questioned 66 people. Nine individuals were identified as being in the U.S. illegally — seven from China, one from Malaysia, and one from Mexico. All nine are in ICE custody pending removal proceedings, according to officials.
The task force confiscated narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and a box containing thousands of reencoded gift cards, which authorities suspect were being used in an ongoing financial scam orchestrated by Asian organized crime. The types of drugs seized were not disclosed, but law enforcement previously linked the location to cocaine, ketamine, and ecstasy distribution.
The enforcement action is part of a larger investigation launched in March, targeting underground warehouses in Southern California believed to be operating as nightclubs under the influence of Asian organized crime. Law enforcement agencies suspect the venues double as fronts for narcotics and financial crimes.
The operation was conducted in collaboration with the DEA, FBI, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, all working with HSI’s El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force — a multi-agency unit dedicated to fighting financial crimes across Southern California.
Officials emphasized that enforcement of immigration violations remains a core element of broader investigations into organized criminal networks operating on U.S. soil.
––
Key Points
- Nine illegal aliens were arrested during a federal raid at an underground nightclub in El Monte
- Agents seized drugs and thousands of reencoded gift cards tied to suspected Asian organized crime
- The raid is part of a broader investigation into drug trafficking and financial fraud in LA-area warehouses
Nine foreign nationals face deportation after ICE raid uncovers drugs and gift card scam at secret El Monte club