Amarvel Biotech played a key role in a pipeline for fentanyl chemicals going to the US. Amarvel sold chemicals on several specialty e-commerce sites. Website and social media histories show evidence that at least 10 individuals were involved in sales. They worked in English, Spanish and other languages to promote their fentanyl precursors.
The company used various tricks to ship these items, including labeling them as dog food, nuts, beeswax, engine oil and other everyday goods to hide the contents from customs inspectors. After shipping them out of China, Amarvel would reroute them through additional locations to disguise the point of origin.
"Regarding the customs risk in the US, about 99% can be cleared.”
"Perhaps 1 out of 1,000 orders might be detained” but "we may still bring the goods out through some other methods.”
There’re hidden depots in Mexico, the US and elsewhere.
To conceal its operations, Amarvel operated a widespread network of affiliated companies in China, Japan and the US. A cross-border smuggling organization covered its tracks.
Firsky, a company registered in Nagoya, Japan, appears to have served as a command post for its operations.
Xia Fengzhi (夏凤志) held a 100% stake in Wuhan-based Firsky International Trade, where he was listed as the legal representative. In July 2024, this company's auditor, Wang Qingzhou, suddenly resigned. This auditor had the same name as Amarvel's Wang Qingzhou, who was then on trial in New York.
Firsky International Trade operated under the Firsky brand. On its English website, the company said it was 100%-owned by "Japan Firsky," located in Japan.
Tracing the contact information of the Xia at Firsky led to seven other Chinese companies. At one of them, the top shareholder was the same person listed as president of Amarvel. Xia and this president were connected through the operations of multiple companies.
Amarvel and Firsky operated via an intricate web of interlinked companies, websites, and sales representatives.
While operating the smuggling organization, Xia meticulously covered his tracks, working as a behind-the-scenes fixer.
Sentencing for Amarvel Biotech employees Chen Yiyi and Wang Qingzhou is set for August.
asia.nikkei.com/Economy/Trade-
justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/t
justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/u
cbsnews.com/amp/news/dea-s
