In a recent development in New York, Andrew Nguyen, an Asian police officer, has been accused of participating in drug trafficking activities during his tenure. He is alleged to have transported drugs, escorted drug dealers, leaked confidential police information, and even been involved in a robbery conspiracy. On the 4th, he was charged by the federal prosecutor in the southern district of New York with “bribery, drug distribution conspiracy, using weapons to facilitate drug trafficking and robbery conspiracy,” among other serious offenses. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
According to the indictment, Nguyen, 41, joined the New York City Police Department in January 2008 and served until December 2023 when he was dismissed. During his time on the force, he mainly worked in the Bronx’s 12th traffic precinct, responsible for subway passenger safety and monitoring public housing, earning a salary of over $100,000 annually. Prosecutors pointed out that before becoming an officer, Nguyen knew a drug trafficking group leader (code-named CC-1) as a friend, but they turned into criminal partners after Nguyen joined the police force.
Nguyen assisted drug dealer CC-1 in two periods: 2008-2009 and 2020-2023. The indictment stated that Nguyen began transporting drugs for CC-1, accompanying him to trade meetings, and used his police identity to access internal databases, providing confidential information about other drug suspects to the dealer. Prosecutors noted that Nguyen was well aware that these activities were illegal but still used his police credentials and firearms to escort the drug dealer, avoiding questioning when stopped.
In October 2008, CC-1 was arrested for selling heroin to an undercover officer. To prevent the NYPD from discovering the hidden items, Nguyen went to CC-1’s stash location and removed the heroin and firearms, handing them over to accomplice CC-2 for safekeeping. This collaboration continued until 2009, marking the beginning of Nguyen’s subsequent offenses.
In 2020, facing financial difficulties, Nguyen reached out to CC-1, seeking “fast money-making” opportunities. Over the next three years, he repeatedly engaged in drug enterprise activities using his current NYPD officer status, accepting at least $30,000 in bribes and demanding additional compensation multiple times.
From 2020 to 2021, Nguyen transported approximately eight kilograms of cocaine for CC-1 on at least two occasions, receiving rewards of $5,000 and $3,000 respectively. During each operation, he carried his NYPD-issued firearm, police identification, and NYPD parking permit to avoid inspection. Moreover, he escorted CC-1 to trade meetings, providing armed protection, and charging varying amounts between $1,000 and $2,000 each time.
Between 2020 and 2023, CC-1 repeatedly instructed Nguyen through encrypted communication to query police databases to monitor other drug dealers’ activities. Nguyen charged approximately $1,000 per query. For example, in February 2022, after checking the data of a drug dealer in debt twice and informing CC-1 of an arrest warrant, he suggested a $20,000 “fake arrest” scheme, although it was never carried out, demonstrating the extent of his abuse of power.
Nguyen also falsified traffic stop reports to help CC-1 evade drug trade debts. Between 2021 and 2022, he discussed with CC-1 and accomplice 2 plans to kidnap two debt-ridden drug dealers, intending to arrest them under the guise of police work and hand them over to CC-2 for retribution, which did not materialize due to disagreement over payment.
In 2023, Nguyen, CC-1, and a third accomplice 3 planned to use Nguyen’s police identity in an unauthorized traffic stop to rob a “drug money courier.” Unable to use a police car due to a change in duties at the time, Nguyen planned to purchase a vehicle resembling a police car, install police lights, carry firearms, and split the loot among the three. They extensively discussed vehicles, equipment, and timing but ultimately did not execute the plan.
In November 2023, at CC-1’s direction, Nguyen went to the Bronx to retrieve “five kilograms of cocaine,” which turned out to be fake drugs set up by an undercover officer. The entire operation was recorded on video and audio, serving as key evidence in his prosecution.
In December of the same year, Nguyen was dismissed from the NYPD for other misconduct. The following day, he messaged CC-1, stating he had been “fired” and inquiring about “how much you can pay for work.”
Federal Prosecutor Jay Clayton of the Southern District of New York emphasized that Nguyen’s actions openly betrayed the city and his fellow officers that he swore to protect. He stated, “New Yorkers trust their police officers, and if the allegations are true, Nguyen not only betrayed this trust for money but also committed crimes that endangered the people of New York City.”