Epoch Times CFO Charged In $67M Money Laundering Scheme
One AmericaMay 21
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.
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.