Chinese businessman and Bannon business partner arrested in $1 billion fraud conspiracy
PBS NewsHourNov 26, 2022
The Facts
Guo Wengui, a Chinese businessman based in New York, has been charged by US authorities with leading a billion-dollar fraud scheme alongside his business partner Kin Ming Je — a dual Hong Kong-British citizen who's not yet in custody.
He’s been charged with 11 criminal counts, including securities fraud, wire fraud, and concealment of money laundering. He was arrested Wednesday and pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan federal court.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
From obscure and inconsistent names to wild accusations against other Chinese dissidents and now this latest scandal, there's no telling where Guo's allegiance really lies. What is clear, however, is that Bannon-comrade Guo is the latest indication that Trump's MAGA circle is surrounded by corruption.
Pro-Trump narrative
If found guilty, Guo should undoubtedly bear the brunt of the US justice system, but politics should be left out of this case. Guo is connected to a range of politicians, including former British PM Tony Blair of the left-wing Labour party, and assuming guilt by a distant association is dangerous.
