ALBERTVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) – A study ofan alleged Chinese national and a former employee of Chow King in Albertville, Xu Feng, is moving across state lines.
Feng, who is facing felony fraud charges in New York, was taken into custody last week when Homeland Security officials informed Marshall County deputies that he was employed at the well-known Albertville restaurant.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials concluded that Feng, together with six of his colleagues, is in the United States without proper authorization. Marshall County Sheriff Phil Sims states that Feng went to Alabama after being linked to a fake driving school in New York named T&E.
“T&E leveraged social media and targeted advertising to reach vulnerable individuals within the Chinese community, and promised them driver’s licenses irrespective of their immigration status, language proficiency, or driving capability,” said George Ioannidis from Homeland Security Investigations.
Operation “Road Test” uncovered that a Queens-based driving school would issue a genuine New York driver’s license in return for cash.
The extent of Feng’s ties to the driving school, along with the duration of his stay in Albertville, remains uncertain for now. However, officials from the Richmond, New York District Attorney’s office have informed WAFF 48 that individuals within the group would conduct driving tests for clients, with DMV staff reportedly receiving bribes.
Authorities state that this has led to many individuals in New York, including some who are not legally documented, possessing driver’s licenses.
“Many people are currently operating vehicles on our roads without proving they have the fundamental abilities to do so safely,” said Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon.
Authorities state that 14 people were charged in the operation, including Feng, along with three employees from the DMV in Queens. Feng is currently waiting to be sent back to New York.
WAFF will keep you updated with the newest developments in this investigation as additional details become available.
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