Executives at Amazon’s biggest third-party seller are under investigation for allegedly posting ads that sought contract killers targeting the CEO of a U.S.-based warehouse operator, embroiled in a dispute over unpaid storage fees. This unsettling situation came to light recently.
The conflict began last spring when Vevor Inc., a DIY manufacturer from China, was found to have $55 million worth of equipment and home goods stored in Egreen Transport Corp.’s facilities in several states, including California, Georgia, and New Jersey, as noted in legal documents.
By summer, the clash over unpaid dues intensified. Egreen accused Vevor of vandalizing its offices, hiring impostors masquerading as police, and issuing threats against its owner, prompting a lawsuit filed in California in October. This lawsuit also triggered criminal investigations in both the U.S. and China.
“Enough money for a down payment on a house”
The tension escalated before the Fourth of July, with allegations that Vevor’s executives broke into an Egreen warehouse in California and attempted to bribe staff for sensitive information about Egreen’s leadership. Egreen, based in Los Angeles, also distributes Vevor products to major retailers like Home Depot.
An insider at Egreen claimed Vevor’s executives suggested “an amount that was enough for a down payment on a house,” which was corroborated by a former Vevor employee.
Shortly afterward, social media posts appeared threatening Egreen’s owners and inviting harm, as described in Egreen’s October complaint. The case was dismissed in February but remains an active investigation by law enforcement. Vevor has not been indicted.
Vevor’s parent company, HK Sishun Trade Co., stated that they take these allegations seriously, firmly denying any involvement in contract killing and labeling the claims as false and irresponsible.
Amazon: “Unable to respond”
Amazon, under CEO Andy Jassy, seems to be ignoring the mounting complaints against Vevor, which has faced accusations of selling potentially dangerous tools on its platform. As the dispute escalated, Egreen’s lawyers sent a warning letter to Amazon detailing the alleged threats from Vevor. An in-house lawyer at Amazon requested further information but indicated the company couldn’t take any legal action at that time.
Reports suggest Vevor is currently facing several recalls and injury lawsuits regarding its products sold on Amazon, yet the company, which reportedly earns over $500 million annually on the platform, remains operational without facing any repercussions from Amazon.
Police investigating suspected ‘murder for hire’
This troubling case has prompted investigations not just in California but also by police in Shanghai. A former investigator noted the involvement of Shanghai law enforcement, sharing leads and evidence collected during police raids on Vevor’s U.S. headquarters in November. The investigation suggests that the murder-for-hire plot may have roots in China.
Police have recommended Egreen executives consider private security for their safety. As the conflict unfolds, Vevor has begun traditional retail operations, opening a store in Houston and entering into a sponsorship deal with the Houston Rockets.
Vevor: Egreen is “not a reliable partner”
Egreen’s October lawsuit alleges they are owed $48 million in unpaid fees related to Vevor’s inventory. Reports indicate ads were circulated online, with one offering a substantial reward for information about an Egreen executive or even higher for harm to them or their family.
Vevor has countered these claims, asserting that Egreen has not been a trustworthy partner and suggesting that the lawsuit may be a tactic to harm Vevor’s reputation amid ongoing disputes. They characterize themselves as victims of unreasonable interference in their operations.
In terms of escalating tensions, Egreen’s lawsuit claims multiple unwarranted police visits to their facilities, with allegations that Vevor employed fake law enforcement to coerce Egreen staff. Additionally, accusations of vandalism have surfaced, with several reported instances of damage to Egreen’s property attributed to Vevor employees.
Though a previous restraining order request by Vevor for inventory was denied by a judge, tensions remain high. Both companies have accused each other of pushing for more logistics space and subsequently failing to meet promised shipping levels.
The issues continued to surface through early 2025, as Egreen also encountered hefty fines connected to labor violations tied to Vevor’s operations. Egreen expressed a commitment to acting in good faith while facing reputational harm and legal challenges directly attributed to Vevor.
Founded in 2007 by Shanghai’s Lubao Jiabo, Vevor initially gained traction in the apparel sector and has evolved into a significant player in cross-border e-commerce.
