New York District Federal Prosecutor Michael DiGiacomo announced on the 21st that 41-year-old FangFang Yan from Shanxi, China, currently residing in Pittsford, Monroe County, New York, has pleaded guilty in federal court, admitting to a charge of misprision of a felony. The crime carries a maximum sentence of 3 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to the prosecution, on April 8, 2022, Chen Guodeng and Huang Didi arranged for about 45,000 pounds of stolen waste edible oil to be transported from western New York to a refinery in Erie, Pennsylvania, making a profit of $29,433.
On April 28 of the same year, the two individuals arranged for the transport of about 45,000 pounds of stolen waste edible oil to the same refinery, making a profit of $30,618.
The prosecution alleges that FangFang Yan was aware of Chen Guodeng and Huang Didi’s involvement in the transportation of stolen edible oil but failed to report it to federal law enforcement agencies. On May 6, 2022, when law enforcement officers questioned her about the illegal activities of Chen and Huang, she refused to answer relevant questions. The prosecution claims that her actions were intended to cover up the criminal activities of the two individuals.
With soaring energy prices and the advancement of green carbon reduction policies, used cooking oil (UCO), commonly known as “gutter oil,” has become highly valuable in the industry as it can be refined into biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), earning it the nickname of “liquid gold.” However, the significant economic benefits behind it have not only triggered an international import trend but also led to widespread cross-regional theft crimes in the United States.
The substantial profit differentials in the waste oil recycling market have attracted criminal syndicates to compete. According to Assistant Federal Prosecutor Meghan McGuire, who is handling this case in Rochester, it is alleged that multiple Chinese individuals conspired to steal waste oil from storage tanks at restaurants in Monroe County and surrounding areas.
Recycling companies typically sign contracts with restaurants and provide dedicated storage tanks, purchasing oil at a price ranging from $0.25 to $0.60 per gallon; after refining and converting it into biodiesel, the selling price can reach as high as $4 to $5 per gallon. Criminals often rush to siphon off waste oil before the recycling companies arrive, causing significant losses to the businesses involved.