美方通报中国籍人员佟某某涉嫌洗钱，公安部立即部署

Core Viewpoint - The case of illegal foreign exchange operations involving individuals identified as Tong and Chen has been successfully investigated by the Shenyang Public Security Bureau, highlighting the complexities of cross-border financial crimes and the importance of international cooperation in law enforcement [1][2][3]. Group 1: Case Development - In April 2024, a tip-off from the U.S. regarding Tong's involvement in money laundering for drug traffickers prompted a thorough investigation by Chinese authorities [1]. - The Shenyang police established a task force to address challenges such as fragmented leads and differences in legal systems between China and the U.S., leading to the collection of crucial evidence [1][2]. - By May 20, 2024, Tong and Chen were apprehended in Wuhan while attempting to flee the country, following extensive evidence collection across multiple provinces and cities [2]. Group 2: Criminal Activities - Since 2017, Tong and associates operated a car dealership in the U.S., initially providing currency exchange services before shifting to illegal foreign exchange operations [2]. - From January 2020 to June 2021, Tong directed Chen and others in China to facilitate illegal currency exchanges, amassing over 16 million RMB through domestic bank accounts [2][3]. - Tong also engaged in virtual currency transactions, purchasing Bitcoin and Tether to facilitate cash exchanges, primarily serving students and gamblers in the U.S. [3]. Group 3: Legal Proceedings - The case was transferred to the prosecutorial authority on November 26, 2024, and by September 2025, both Tong and Chen were sentenced to prison terms of 1 year and 7 months, and 1 year and 4 months respectively, along with fines for their illegal foreign exchange activities [3].