The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told

Season 2: Episode - "The Snakehead of Chinatown"
Host: Mary Kay McBrayer
Release Date: July 15, 2025

Introduction

In "The Snakehead of Chinatown," hosted by true crime writer Mary Kay McBrayer, listeners are immersed in the intricate and shadowy world of human smuggling within New York City's Chinatown. This episode delves into the life of Ching Cuyping, known as Sister Ping, a formidable figure in the illegal immigration network that facilitated the perilous journeys of countless individuals seeking a better life in the United States.

The Golden Venture Disaster ([02:28] - [24:04])

The episode opens with a harrowing recount of the Golden Venture shipwreck on June 6, 1993. Two Park Service officers patrol the Rockaway Peninsula beach in Queens when they encounter two emaciated Asian men approaching their vehicle. As they investigate, they witness the chaos unfolding as passengers of the Golden Venture, a 150-foot cargo ship laden with over 300 immigrants, panic and leap into the frigid Atlantic waters. Tragically, ten passengers perish, and 276 are detained.

Mary Kay McBrayer ([02:28]): "It was a few hours before dawn... the screams coming from the about 100 yards offshore..."

Introducing Sister Ping ([24:04] - [52:19])

Mary Kay transitions to the central figure of the episode, Sister Ping. Born in 1949 in Fujian Province, China, Sister Ping's early life was marked by modest beginnings and a move to Hong Kong in the mid-1970s in search of better opportunities. In 1981, she immigrates to the United States alone, leaving her family behind, and establishes a small variety store in New York's Chinatown. Her business acumen leads her to create a remittance service that becomes the foundation of her human smuggling empire.

Mary Kay McBrayer ([24:04]): "She was the orchestrator of a massive underground network that stretched across Asia, Africa, and the Americas."

As Sister Ping's operation grows, she partners with Ake, the leader of the Fuqching Gang, a powerful and violent group in Chinatown. Their collaboration initially flourishes, allowing the smuggling network to expand its reach seamlessly.

The Rise and Fall of Sister Ping ([52:19] - [44:04])

The narrative progresses to the complexities of Sister Ping's operations, highlighting her strategic alliances and business expansions. By the late 1980s, Sister Ping controls smuggling routes across continents, but growth brings vulnerabilities. The Golden Venture disaster becomes the catalyst for increased scrutiny from authorities.

Despite the tragedy, Sister Ping remains elusive. The FBI intensifies its investigation, eventually uncovering crucial evidence during a raid of her Chinatown establishment. In September 1994, Sister Ping flees to Hong Kong, where she continues her operations undeterred.

Years of pursuit lead to her eventual capture in April 2000, thanks to a tip about a ticket held by her son. The evidence seized from her led to her indictment and trial.

Mary Kay McBrayer ([52:19]): "With the incredible profit she was bringing in from her trafficking, Sister Ping made some strategic investments..."

Trial and Conviction ([44:04] - [54:51])

In May 2005, Sister Ping's trial commences. The prosecution paints her as "one of the most powerful and most successful alien smugglers of our time," while her defense portrays her as a misunderstood businesswoman. The jury convicts her on June 22, 2005, sentencing her to 35 years in prison.

Sister Ping's impassioned final statement reflects her belief in her innocence and the victimization she feels within the justice system.

Mary Kay McBrayer ([44:04]): "At her sentencing hearing, she gave an impassioned hour-long speech explaining how in every major story discussed at trial, she was the victim..."

Impact and Legacy ([54:51] - End)

Sister Ping's legacy is dual-faceted. To many in the Fujianese community, she is revered as a hero who provided a lifeline to those desperate for a new beginning. Conversely, authorities and detractors view her as a ruthless criminal responsible for countless lives lost and ongoing human suffering.

The Golden Venture survivors faced harsh outcomes, with only a fraction receiving asylum. Many remained in precarious statuses, living under the constant threat of deportation despite establishing lives in the U.S.

Sister Ping's death in 2014 from pancreatic cancer marked the end of a notorious chapter, but her influence persisted as her family continued the smuggling operations, albeit without her strategic prowess.

Mary Kay McBrayer ([54:51]): "Depending on who you ask, she's either the villain or the hero of the story."

Conclusion

"The Snakehead of Chinatown" masterfully captures the complexities of illegal immigration, the human desperation driving it, and the criminal networks exploiting these vulnerabilities. Mary Kay McBrayer provides a nuanced portrayal of Sister Ping, inviting listeners to grapple with the moral ambiguities surrounding her actions and their profound impacts on individuals and communities.

For an in-depth exploration, Mary Kay recommends Patrick Radden Keefe's book, "The Snakehead," which offers a comprehensive account of Sister Ping's life and criminal endeavors.

Mary Kay McBrayer ([Final Segment]): "If you're interested in learning more, I recommend checking out Patrick Radden Keefe's book, also called the Snakehead, for an even deeper dive into Sister Ping's life and crimes."

Notable Quotes

• Mary Kay McBrayer ([02:28]): "It was a few hours before dawn... the screams coming from the about 100 yards offshore..."
• Mary Kay McBrayer ([24:04]): "She was the orchestrator of a massive underground network that stretched across Asia, Africa, and the Americas."
• Mary Kay McBrayer ([52:19]): "With the incredible profit she was bringing in from her trafficking, Sister Ping made some strategic investments..."
• Mary Kay McBrayer ([44:04]): "At her sentencing hearing, she gave an impassioned hour-long speech explaining how in every major story discussed at trial, she was the victim..."
• Mary Kay McBrayer ([54:51]): "Depending on who you ask, she's either the villain or the hero of the story."

Further Resources

• Patrick Radden Keefe's Book: The Snakehead
• Show Website: diversionaudio.com
• Mary Kay McBrayer's Book: Madame: The Life and Crimes of Harlem's Underground Racketeer Stephanie Sinclair

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the depth and breadth of "The Snakehead of Chinatown," providing listeners with a clear understanding of the episode's key themes, events, and characters.