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Immigration agents raid business in Hazelwood
FROM STAFF REPORTS

Wednesday, May. 10 2006

Federal immigration agents on Wednesday raided a business in Hazelwood selling Chinese yard decorations, although authorities were silent about what they were
seeking.

Agents searched through statues at the offices of Yn Trading, a business that sells statuary and decorative objects for gardens. The business is at 5911 North Lindbergh Boulevard just north of the intersection with McDonnell Boulevard.

Carl Rusnok, a spokesman for the U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said he could not comment on the raid other than to say it is part of "an ongoing investigation."

In the search Wednesday morning, federal agents could be seen working near crates marked "made in China." The agents also dismantled some yard ornaments shaped in the form of pagodas.

Hazelwood police kept news reporters away from the business, so agents there could not be reached for comment.

David Yn and his nephew Vincent Yn started the business in December 2003, according to documents filed with the Missouri secretary of state's office.

David Yn, 73, of Florissant, said Wednesday that he doesn't understand why agents raided his business and that he has done nothing illegal. He said the investigators seized a computer, file cabinets and an old, unused TV-radio antenna set up in the rear of his building. He said the agents told him his belongings would be returned today or Friday. He said he has not been arrested or charged with a crime.

Yn said he imports statues from China.