Shawn N. Anderson, the United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that Zhongli Pang, a 36-year-old citizen of the People's Republic of China, was sentenced to three months in prison in the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands. Pang pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and conspiracy to defraud the United States. In addition to imprisonment, the court imposed one year of supervised release, 50 hours of community service, and a $200 special assessment fee.
Zhongli Pang and several co-conspirators had, in June 2024, purchased a boat for $33,000, which Pang registered. The group planned to transport twelve Chinese nationals, all living without legal status, from Saipan to Guam. Despite knowing the operation was unauthorized, Pang attempted the journey with minimal boating experience. The overloaded vessel eventually ran out of fuel before reaching Guam, requiring intervention by the U.S. Coast Guard. During sentencing, Pang admitted that his actions endangered lives and expressed deep regret.
United States Attorney Anderson emphasized the ongoing commitment to curb illegal travel between the CNMI and Guam, stating, “The risk to personal safety is substantial. Those interdicted also face imprisonment and immigration penalties.” He urged PRC nationals to conform to the CNMI’s parole program and return to China as agreed. Anderson also noted heightened efforts by DHS to apprehend those attempting to bypass detection.
Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas highlighted the arrest of Pang as a testament to efforts aimed at preventing dangerous and unlawful migration within the CNMI. “By holding criminals accountable, HSI works with state and local authorities to thwart future violations, ensuring the safety of our communities through continuing partnerships.”
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorney Eric S. O’Malley prosecuted the case.