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Epoch Times CFO Charged in Alleged Money Laundering Scheme

Above: A reporter for The Epoch Times holds a microphone during a media event on October 23, 2023 in Berlin, Germany. Image copyright: Sean Gallup/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images Europe

The Facts

  • The chief financial officer (CFO) of the conservative outlet Epoch Times, Weidong "Bill" Guan, has been arrested over an alleged years-long money laundering scheme to enrich himself and the company.

  • On Monday, the US Dept. of Justice (DOJ) announced the indictment, claiming that Guan conspired with others to launder at least around $67M in crime proceeds — including fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits.

  • He was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, for which he could spend up to 20 years behind bars if convicted, and two counts of bank fraud that carry a maximum sentence of 30 years each.


The Spin


Right narrative

Like other alternative news outlets that have strayed from left-leaning mainstream media, the Epoch Times has come under attack. The Biden admin. is committed to targeting political opponents and dissident journalists on the right. It's not hard to connect the dots and see that Biden's weaponized DOJ is politically targeting pro-Trump outlets.


Democratic narrative

As expected, the right is claiming that the charges against Bill Guan are a political attack by the Biden administration. They have immediately jumped to defend the Epoch Times despite the facts that implicate the outlet in a criminal $67M money laundering scheme. This clearly problematic news company must be probed in accordance with the law.


Metaculus Prediction


Political split

LEFT

RIGHT

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