US sanctions notorious Chinese organized crime figure ‘Broken Tooth’ Wan
The US Treasury slapped sanctions Wednesday on a notorious Chinese organized crime leader known as “Broken Tooth,” alleging he is expanding criminal activities throughout Southeast Asia on the back of a major Beijing infrastructure initiative.
For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app
Wan Kuok-koi, the head of the powerful 14K triad, or organized crime group, has built operations in Cambodia, Myanmar and Palau since being released from Macau prison eight years ago, the Treasury said.
Read more:
Senior Chinese diplomat hopes US policy on China can ‘return to objectivity’
China: US should stop abusing national security concept after blacklisting companies
US cancels China-funded exchange programs, saying they are ‘propaganda tools’
It called Wan a member of the Communist Party of China’s Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) who has attached his criminal operations to Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, a multi-year plan to build economic and political networks throughout developing countries.
It said Wan’s Cambodia-based World Hongmen History and Culture Association has been a front for criminal activities, developing and launching cryptocurrencies, dealing in real estate and casinos, and establishing a security company focused on Belt and Road Initiative investments.
With the Belt and Road Initiative as a vehicle, the Treasury said, “the 14K Triad is utilizing Broken Tooth’s World Hongmen History and Culture Association as an effort to legitimize itself.”
Asked about the sanctions on Thursday, a Chinese official said Wan is not a CPPCC member at the national or sub-national level.
Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing that “some people in the US are fabricating lies and unscrupulously attacking and smearing China”, calling this “despicable.”
The Treasury placed sanctions on Wan, the World Hongmen group, and Wan’s Hong Kong-based Dongmei Group which is building a casino-hubbed town in Myanmar called the Saixigang zone.
Wan, 65, spent 14 years behind bars in Macau related to a string of murders and bombings in Macau, before being released in 2012.
The Treasury said it was marking International Anti-Corruption Day by also placing sanctions on Liberian Senator Harry Varney Gboto-Nambi Sherman, for alleged bribery and misappropriation, and Kyrgyz Republic Customs Service official Raimbek Matraimov, for allegedly helping launder $700 million.
-
China revokes visa exemptions for US diplomat passport holders visiting Hong Kong
China is revoking visa exemption treatment for United States diplomat passport holders visiting Hong Kong and Macau, Chinese foreign ministry ... World News -
China-Iran relations a threat to ‘free world,’ says US State Dept official
A US State Department official has warned that warming China-Iran relations pose a threat to the “free world” as China works to expand its presence in ... World News -
China lashes out at US over Hong Kong sanctions, Taiwan arms sale
China on Tuesday lashed out at the US over new sanctions against Chinese officials and the sale of more military equipment to Taiwan.The US actions ... World News -
China says it firmly opposes US sanctioning Chinese officials
China firmly opposes and strongly condemns US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo imposing sanctions on the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) United Front ... World News -
Senior Chinese diplomat hopes US policy on China can ‘return to objectivity’
China’s senior diplomat Wang Yi called for a “steady transition” of relations between China and the United States on Monday.For all the latest ... World News -
Report finds ‘directed’ microwave radiation made US diplomats ill in Cuba, China
A new report by a National Academy of Sciences committee has found that “directed” microwave radiation is the likely cause of illnesses among American ... World News -
US cancels China-funded exchange programs, saying they are ‘propaganda tools’
The US Department of State on Friday terminated five exchange programs with China that the US says were “propaganda tools” disguised as “cultural ... World News -
China: US should stop abusing national security concept after blacklisting companies
China said on Friday it firmly opposes the US’ wanton oppression of its companies and asked America to stop abusing the concept of national security, ... World News -
Some Chinese-US relations damage is ‘beyond repair’: China state media
Some damage to Sino-US ties is “beyond repair” amid a new wave of Trump administration measures to counter China, Chinese state media warned, amid ... World News