On Wednesday morning, federal agents apprehended Guo Wengui, a Chinese businessman living in exile in New York. Wengui has ties to ex-Trump White House strategist Steve Bannon.
There are allegations that Mr. Guo masterminded a $1 billion fraud scheme. A political strategist, media executive, and former investment banker, Steve Bannon is a prominent figure in the American political and business spheres.
The arrest of the political strategist’s colleague has sparked speculation about whether Police have also taken into custody, Steve Bannon. Everything that occurred is described in full here in this article.
Is Steve Bannon in Detention? What Actions Took The Political Strategist?
Wengui Guo, an associate of Steve Bannon’s, was arrested by New York Police on March 15, 2023, as described above. Consequently, Steve’s friend has been arrested instead of him.
According to a press statement issued by the Southern District of New York on Wednesday, Guo (Ho Wan Kwok in court papers) was indicted on 12 charges of bank fraud, securities fraud, financial fraud, and money laundering.
On the day when word of Guo’s imprisonment spread, a fire was found in his Fifth Avenue penthouse at the Sherry-Netherland Hotel in Manhattan. Firefighters arrived at Guo’s flat just as law enforcement officials were finishing up their work there.
In an announcement, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said that the fugitive business tycoon was the brain behind a complex operation to defraud thousands of his online followers of more than $1 billion.
Guo and Kin Ming Je, also known as William Je, are accused of utilizing Guo’s online profile to scam investors out of money by promising them astronomical returns on their money and other benefits.
According to the allegations, Steve Bannnon’s colleague spent the hundreds of millions of dollars they stole via fraud on a luxury lifestyle.
In addition, Attorney Williams said that Ho Wan Kwok is suspected of utilizing the stolen funds to lavishly indulge himself and his loved ones with a $37 million luxury yacht, a 50,000 square foot mansion, a $3.5 million Ferrari, and then even two $36,000 beds.
Connection Between Guo Wengui and Steve Bannon
In October 2017, after Bannon had already departed the White House, he finally met Guo Wengui. The political strategist and the Chinese millionaire became fast friends.
They saw each other regularly. A 2017 story said that immediately after Bannon left the White House, the Chinese business magnate lent him $150,000. There have been other collaborative efforts between Bannon and Guo since then.
Guo Wengui Said He Was Innocent
Guo Wengui, an associate of Steve Bannon’s, appeared in court on a Wednesday afternoon and entered a not-guilty plea. Moreover, he was said to have seemed calm throughout the hearing, with his hands resting on his lap.
Guo’s not-guilty pleading was heard by Judge Katharine H. Parker. The exiled billionaire waited until his lawyers arrived before asking to be released on bond.
For the time being, he consented to be detained. Due to Guo Wengui’s counsel being out of town for the 15 March hearing, public defender Tamara Giwa handled the case. Towards the conclusion of the hearing, Giwa chose to remain silent.
Giwa promised the judge a “strong bail package” from his legal team. The court hearing for the billionaire is set on April 4.
Kin Ming Je, Guo’s financial backer, was also named in the indictment and charged with obstruction of justice, although he has not yet been arrested.
Information on Je’s attorney wasn’t readily available on Wednesday. Bannon’s plea for comment went unanswered.
Also Read:
