Weidong Guan is accused of collaborating in an “increasing” scheme to launder cash to learn himself and the right-wing media.
A high govt at The Epoch Occasions, a New York-based conservative media outlet recognized for its fierce criticism of the Chinese language authorities, has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a cash laundering scheme.
Weidong “Invoice” Guan, the outlet’s chief monetary officer, is alleged to have participated in an “increasing transnational scheme” to launder no less than $67 million in illegally obtained funds to learn him and the corporate, the U.S. Division of Justice stated. United on Tuesday. Monday.
Beneath Guan’s course, members of the corporate’s “Make Cash On-line” staff used cryptocurrency to buy tens of thousands and thousands of {dollars} in proceeds of crime, together with fraudulently obtained unemployment insurance coverage advantages that have been loaded onto pay as you go debit playing cards. , the Justice Division stated.
The staff then used stolen private data to open financial institution and cryptocurrency accounts to switch the illicit earnings, which have been then laundered by way of different financial institution accounts held by Epoch Occasions and Guan, in line with federal prosecutors.
Prosecutors stated the fees usually are not associated to The Epoch Occasions’ newsgathering actions.
“When the banks raised questions in regards to the funds, Guan allegedly repeatedly lied and falsely claimed that the funds got here from reputable donations to the media firm,” stated U.S. Legal professional Damian Williams.
“At the moment’s costs replicate this workplace’s continued dedication to vigorously imposing legal guidelines towards those that facilitate fraud by way of cash laundering and to defending the integrity of the American monetary system.”
Guan, 61, of Secaucus, New Jersey, faces one depend of conspiracy to commit cash laundering and two counts of financial institution fraud.
Essentially the most critical of the fees carries a most penalty of 30 years in jail.
Guan’s lawyer, Ariel Werner, didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
In a press release, The Epoch Occasions stated it has “a tenet that elevates integrity in its dealings above all else.”
“The corporate intends to cooperate totally with any investigation involving the allegations towards Mr. Guan,” the corporate stated.
“Within the meantime, though Mr. Guan is harmless till confirmed responsible past an inexpensive doubt, the corporate has suspended him till this matter is resolved.”
The Epoch Occasions, affiliated with the Falun Gong non secular motion, was based in 2000 to offer a platform to oppose the Chinese language Communist Social gathering.
In recent times, the outlet has develop into recognized for selling right-wing views, together with baseless conspiracy theories.
Since 2016, the outlet has strongly supported former US President Donald Trump, together with by way of pro-Trump promoting on Fb.