This is the biggest loophole! You could say that even if you're a complete novice, and your container is filled with weapons or drugs, if you're lucky and have a stroke of good fortune, and customs happens to miss your shipment, and your goods get out, then you've successfully smuggled them!
There's no way around it. The volume of cargo handled by a country or a port is simply astronomical! Even if you had customs officials working around the clock, exhausted to the point of collapse, it would be absolutely impossible to inspect every single item! Absolutely impossible!!
Therefore, this loophole is a smuggling channel commonly used by smuggling groups worldwide. They declare tax-evaded or prohibited goods to customs as legal goods with very low taxes... As long as customs does not inspect their goods, the goods leave the country undetected.
Of course, large-scale smuggling groups don't rely entirely on "luck" to take risks!
Indeed, the percentage of customs inspections is very, very small. You might not be caught a hundred times, but if you are caught on the hundred and first time... then you're finished! Smuggling groups aren't that stupid. If it's purely a matter of luck, everyone has their bad days.
In such situations, the customs officials responsible for inspections become veritable goose-in-the-coffin!
If you can find a way to bribe those customs officials who wield special powers... before your declared goods documents are randomly selected for inspection... among so many documents, someone can quietly devise a way to make your declared goods documents "disappear" silently from among those documents that are gathered together for inspection.
Everything will be OK then! Imagine, if all your documents disappear, no matter how many times customs conducts random checks, they won't be able to find your goods!!
To put it bluntly, and it's universally acknowledged: customs offices in any country are among the wealthiest places in the world!
Why should I go through customs?
Indeed, we're still at the level of collecting protection money. But I can't remain an outsider forever! If I want to truly get involved in the smuggling industry, I can't rely on protection money forever. Also, regarding Huaxing, the company I'm nominally affiliated with is a Sino-Ocean International Trading Company, which is also nominally involved in import and export trade.
I also plan to get involved in some businesses myself. Part of it will be smuggling, and of course, I will also do some legitimate business, even if it's just to cover my tracks.
With a legitimate company, the huge profits I collect and the enormous protection fees I pay can finally flow into my pocket through legal channels!
This is no joke! Money laundering has always been a difficult problem that plagues gangs around the world.
Especially in Western countries. To be fair, the laws in developed Western countries are more comprehensive than our domestic laws, particularly regarding tax regulations.
For example, most people in China do not yet have a concept of the issue of large sums of money with unknown sources.
In developed Western countries, if you possess a large sum of money but cannot explain the source of that wealth, it is illegal and a crime! The government levies taxes on all wealth. Where did your money come from? If you earned it through work, great, your company will help you register it to ensure your income is legal. If your money was a gift, great, gifts also need to be taxed to prove the legality of the money before it becomes yours! If your money was won in the lottery, then you must register and pay taxes with the cooperation of the lottery organization.
In short, your money must have a legal source of income, then you must pay taxes, and finally, you can legally use the money.
So, Huaxing might be receiving nearly $100 million in protection money from smuggling rings every year... Legally speaking, all of this money is illicit!
I can't just transfer this money directly into my account or my subordinates' accounts. Foreign banking and tax systems are very strict.
Therefore, this money must have a legal source of income.
Part Two: The Road to Success, Chapter Seventy-One: The Target, Las Vegas
My idea is to establish this Huaxing Company, and then treat this money as the company's annual profit and revenue!
But the problem is, a newly established company can make a profit of $100 million in a year... Who would believe that? It would be a miracle if the IRS didn't investigate me!
So, on the one hand, I'm trying to make Huaxing's legitimate business grow, and it can't be too small, it has to be as big as possible! In order to launder the illicit money of the one hundred million US dollars in protection fees every year in the future! But, this is a long-term plan, and in the short term, the company's turnover is not enough to complete such a huge task.
Therefore, I must find another quick way to launder money in the short term!
After briefly explaining the progress of my infiltration efforts with customs officials, I left Zhou with the buck-toothed man and discussed the issue with him.
There's nothing I can do; the only highly intelligent and qualified person I have under my command is this eccentric guy.
"Money laundering?" Zhou, the buck-toothed man, chuckled, a cunning glint in his eyes. But being a professional lawyer, he couldn't possibly be unaware of these shady dealings. He quickly rattled off a list: "It's simple. The most popular money laundering method in the world right now is investment! You can invest abroad, anything you want—real estate, funds, the stock market, stocks, futures, or anything else… Of course, in recent years, investing in movies has also become popular. Because the film industry handles a huge volume of funds. As far as I know, several Hollywood blockbusters in recent years were actually made for money laundering… Anyway, since you're laundering money, you can disregard investment losses and profits, even if you lose a little. As long as you can turn that money into investment returns under the guise of investment, that's all that matters."
I thought for a moment, then sighed: "The idea is good, but it's not feasible for now. I don't have any investment channels, and investing in movies is even more out of the question right now..."
Zhou with the buck teeth thought for a while, then his eyes suddenly lit up. He stared at me for a moment and slowly said, "If I remember correctly, according to the information I received, during a negotiation meeting at the police station, a young lady surnamed Yang from the Shamrock family in Las Vegas had a very close relationship with you... You know, Las Vegas casinos are also a great place for money laundering! At least billions of dollars of illicit money are laundered there every year..."
Following Zhou Di's suggestion, I dialed Yang Wei's number. This was the number Yang Wei had given me; I could reach her anytime, 24/7.
Before I could even speak after the call connected, Yang Wei's bright voice came through the phone: "The now-famous Fifth Master, what brings you to this humble lady? Is there some business you wish to do for me?"
I laughed; I could tell from the sound of her voice. Yang Wei seemed to be in a good mood.
"How did you know it was me calling?" I smiled and said, "I hadn't even said anything yet."
Yang Wei seemed to sigh, and said meaningfully, "After Hansen came back, I knew that the situation on your end was settled. I thought... logically and emotionally, you should at least call your old friend, right? But I've been waiting day after day, and I'm really anxious..."
I gave a wry smile, trying to hide my embarrassment, and said, "When did you become such a good joker?"
After hearing my words, Yang Wei was silent for a moment, then a gentle and deep voice came from the phone: "Okay, Chen Yang. You don't want to hear jokes, so I'll tell you the truth... This number is one I specially got. Only you have this number. I keep this phone on and carry it with me every day. So as soon as the phone rings, I know it's you calling. That's the truth, not a joke. However, I doubt whether you really want to hear these words... Or, if you heard them now, you'd probably prefer the joke you just made."
Yang Wei is Yang Wei after all; with just a few words, she ruthlessly pierced through my complicated feelings at that moment!
A subtle and strange atmosphere spread through the telephone line signal. After a long while, we both suddenly sighed softly at the same time.
"Yang Wei..." I hesitated for a moment, not knowing how to start the conversation.
I can understand Yang Wei's thoughts to some extent; I'm not stupid... But from my perspective, how could I possibly say such a thing?
The day she left, the last ring she left me with kept me awake for days!
She left without saying a word, but that very silence spoke volumes!
Because I remember how much effort Yang Wei put into finally obtaining that eye of the storm ring! But she just casually gave it to me after all that hard work!
It all started when I casually mentioned during our conversation that this eye of the storm is the only thing in the entire world that can counteract the luck ring I possess, and Yang Wei, who owns this ring, has become my only nemesis…
When Yang Wei heard those words, her expression seemed somewhat complicated.
As she was leaving, she casually tossed this valuable ring to me. What did that mean?
I once dreamed of Yang Wei, and in my dream she said to me:
Xiao Wu, because I don't want to be your nemesis.
...
Composing myself, I nervously picked up the phone, took a deep breath, and was about to say something when Yang Wei spoke first. She still seemed to be joking, trying to cover something up: "Chen Yang, if it's something heavy, don't say it. I'm in a good mood today, so don't spoil it."
"OK." I smiled, skipping over those uncomfortable topics, and deliberately laughed loudly, "I do have something I want to talk to you about... um, it's business..."
"Money laundering, right?" Yang Wei laughed before she could finish speaking. "I've done the math, you should be calling me by now."
"...How did you know?"
Yang Wei's voice was rapid and her tone was light on the other end of the phone: "Isn't that right? You did a fantastic job in Vancouver. I found out about the establishment of Huaxing Company very quickly. From your entire operation, I can easily draw a conclusion... You're rich now! Occupying Vancouver, the largest natural port city on the west coast, is like sitting on a gold mine! Your only difficulty now is how to legalize your gold mine, your enormous wealth..."
Although Yang Wei is thousands of miles away from me right now, listening to her tone, I feel as if I can see her standing right in front of me, her eyes sparkling, her expression calm and composed, speaking fluently and confidently...
I was slightly distracted, and it took several seconds after Yang Wei finished speaking before I snapped back to reality and quickly said, "...um...oh, you're right. I do need a channel to launder money...you see..."
“Congratulations.” Yang Wei seemed to be smiling. “One of our family businesses is professional money laundering services, but the commission we charge is not low.” After a pause, Yang Wei said seriously, “Well, I’m not in charge of the money laundering business. Currently, my uncle is in charge of it. I think if you want to do well in this business… and if you want to establish a good working relationship with our family, you’d better come to Las Vegas in person.”
After thinking about it, I realized there wasn't anything urgent that required me to stay in Vancouver recently, and the money laundering issue was pressing. A trip to Las Vegas would be worthwhile. So I immediately agreed. I told Yang Wei I would book a plane ticket right away and head to the gambling city. I would contact her again after I finalized my itinerary.
But just before hanging up, Yang Wei suddenly said, "Wait."
"……What?"
There was some static on the other end of the phone, then Yang Wei's voice drifted in, sometimes near, sometimes far... "Chen Yang, there's a question I want to ask you... But you know, if we met, I wouldn't ask this to your face. Only on the phone, without looking into your eyes, without seeing your face, can I dare to ask it."
Her voice, each word so clear, seemed to gently tap into my heart like a hammer. My heart leaped into my throat! A vague unease crept in; I feared she might ask a question I couldn't answer… but along with the fear, there was also a strange, faint anticipation…
"I asked..." Yang Wei's voice was very soft, almost gentle: "If... I mean if. If you didn't have business to discuss with me... wouldn't you have called me?"
Instantly, I felt deflated, as if all my strength had been drained away by this question.
Holding the phone, I remained silent for a long time. Yang Wei chuckled softly, her tone tinged with disappointment and a hint of mockery: "Hmm... alright, you don't need to say anything, I understand."
"etc!"
I gritted my teeth, my heart pounding, and said into the microphone, "Yang Wei, I don't want to lie to you. I... I've thought about calling you, more than once. But..." Then I gave a bitter laugh, a laugh that even I found incredibly bitter: "But I dare not, and I cannot!"
Yang Wei laughed instead!
She laughed on the phone! Gan Cai's gloom seemed to vanish in her voice, and her tone became three times more cheerful. Then she smiled and said softly to me, "As long as you've thought about it, I'm happy."
Part Two: The Road to Success, Chapter Seventy-Two: Qiao Qiao VS Yang Wei (Part One)
On the plane, the beautiful blonde flight attendant was still asking each passenger who entered the cabin questions in a gentle voice. At the same time, she walked down the aisle with a charming smile, helping each passenger check their luggage and quietly asking each passenger what they needed.
I was in first class, and the service was indeed much better than in economy class.
The plane was about to take off. I turned to look out the window, while Hammer sat next to me, glancing at the blonde flight attendant with great interest.
This was the first time I'd taken him out on business alone, so he was understandably a bit excited, especially since we were going to a famous gambling city full of excitement and allure!
This time, I only brought Hammer with me. There's no other way; Xiluo has to stay behind to guard the base, and Huaxing can't function without someone of considerable influence. Besides, I'm currently severely understaffed… It's a rather ironic situation. Before, Eighth Master's men always complained about having no chance to advance. Now, I've sent out almost everyone I can! In fact, many times, I have very few people with me.
There's no other way; the Big Circle is expanding too rapidly within the territory. With such a large increase in territory, people need to step down and take charge independently. The newly established companies, Xiluo still has a group of people stationed there, and the ports and docks all require manpower…
Since I'm going to Las Vegas to see Yang Wei anyway, I'm not worried about my safety. Would Yang Wei really harm me?
"Alright, stop looking, damn it." I chuckled and patted the guy next to me who was still staring at the glamorous blonde flight attendant. "If you like this chick, ask her for her phone number when you get off the plane. Let me tell you, you can easily get her by throwing a few thousand dollars at her."
Oh, right, of course I didn't bring Qiaoqiao and Yandi with me! That's for sure!
Although Yan Di and I are getting closer and closer, and we're just one step away from crossing that final line... the problem is, I'm going to Las Vegas to see Yang Wei!
I'm going to meet another woman with whom I have a somewhat ambiguous and strange relationship. In this situation, should I still bring Yan Di or Qiao Qiao along? Or should I avoid trouble?
After talking to Hammer, I simply put on my eye mask, intending to take a nap. Just as I closed my eyes, I suddenly felt Hammer move beside me. He seemed to let out a soft "ah" and mumbled something. I reached up and pulled off my eye mask, only to find that Hammer had already stood up, looking strangely out in the aisle, and the seat next to me was now occupied by someone else!
She had a head of fine, wavy hair. Her features were exquisite, her face alluring, and she looked at me with a half-smile. A black tank top clung tightly to her upper body, perfectly showcasing the lines of her torso and the perfect curves of her chest... and perched on her hair were a pair of high-end sunglasses that were clearly designer brands.
Such a stunning beauty, who else could it be but Qiao Qiao?
I stared at her as if I'd seen a ghost, my mouth agape in astonishment: "You! You... how could you..."
Damn it! When I left this morning, I had a nice, tender goodbye with Yan Di, and Qiao Qiao also hugged me goodbye. That girl even patted her chest and promised, "Leave Yan Di to me! I'll protect her well..."
Damn it... In the blink of an eye, this woman actually secretly followed me onto the plane?!
"I...I...I...what?" Qiao Qiao suddenly opened her arms and hugged my neck tightly, then a sly smile appeared on her face: "Xiao Wu, are you happy to see me following you? Are you surprised?"
Happy...surprised?
More like a shock!
"You..." I swallowed hard. "You weren't staying at home..."
"Sigh, after thinking it over, you're going to Las Vegas this time! The gambling capital! How many temptations there are! How many beautiful women? What if you can't control yourself... I... um, wouldn't our Yan Di be heartbroken? So the reason I came with you this time is because I have a very serious mission!"
"What?" I said irritably.
"Protect your chastity!" Qiao Qiao said with a righteous expression.