An exiled Chinese businessman's chief-of-staff has pleaded guilty in the United States to fraud charges. The businessman, who is a vocal critic of the Chinese government, has been living in exile in the United States.
The chief-of-staff admitted to participating in a scheme to fraudulently raise funds for the businessman's media company. The funds were raised through a fraudulent scheme involving the misuse of the US government's EB-5 visa program, which grants visas to foreign investors who create jobs in the United States.
According to court documents, the chief-of-staff and others involved in the scheme misled investors about the nature of the investments and used the funds for personal expenses instead of creating jobs as promised. The scheme raised millions of dollars from investors, many of whom were Chinese nationals seeking US visas.
The exiled businessman has been a prominent figure in Chinese dissident circles, using his media company to criticize the Chinese government's human rights record and political system. He has faced backlash from the Chinese government, which has accused him of spreading anti-China propaganda.
The chief-of-staff's guilty plea is a significant development in the case, as it indicates that the US authorities are making progress in unraveling the fraudulent scheme. The businessman's media company has also come under scrutiny, with investigations ongoing into its financial practices.
Both the exiled businessman and his chief-of-staff could face significant legal consequences as a result of the fraud charges. The case highlights the risks associated with fraudulent fundraising schemes and the importance of due diligence when investing in projects that promise US visas.
