Call for Investigation into Alleged Fraud and Money Laundering by New Tang Dynasty Television and Epoch Media Group
We, concerned citizens, urgently petition for a comprehensive investigation into New Tang Dynasty Television (NTDTV) and its parent company, Epoch Media Group, due to credible allegations of financial fraud and money laundering, particularly related to property acquisitions, film production, and the use of donations.
Our concerns are based on the following facts and evidence:
1. Unexplained Increase in Donations and Assets
According to public financial filings submitted to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), NTDTV saw a significant surge in its financial standings between 2021 and 2022:
· In 2021, NTDTV reported donations and grants totaling approximately $29.63 million, with total revenue of $36.2 million. After expenses, its total assets were about $23.7 million.
· In 2022, NTDTV’s donations skyrocketed to $45.95 million, with total revenue reaching $48.94 million. After expenses, its total assets increased to $43.92 million.Within just one year, NTDTV’s total assets increased by $20.22 million, a 46% rise, largely driven by unexplained donations. The lack of transparency regarding the source of these funds raises serious concerns about the legitimacy of the organization's financial operations.
2. Suspicious $31 Million Property Purchase in Manhattan
On April 16, 2024, the Real Estate Transaction Network reported that NTDTV purchased an office building located at 129 West 29th Street in Manhattan for $31 million. This transaction was overseen by Tang Zhong, then CEO of Epoch Media Group. The high expenditure, combined with a reported $8.4 million spent by Falun Gong in 2020 for political ads supporting Donald Trump’s re-election, raises suspicions that the organization may be laundering donations or engaging in other financial misconduct.
3. Allegations of Fraud and Money Laundering through the Film The Firing Squad
Epoch Media Group is also suspected of engaging in money laundering and fraud through its film production, specifically with the movie The Firing Squad. While the film claimed to have received significant financial backing, the actual viewership and earnings appear to be inconsistent with the reported funding. The lack of transparency regarding the film’s financing and operations raises suspicions that funds may have been laundered or misused through the project. This connection, along with other suspicious financial activities, further raises concerns about Epoch Media Group’s financial legitimacy.
4. Connection to Indicted CFO Bill Guan
The U.S. Department of Justice has indicted Bill Guan, the Chief Financial Officer of Epoch Media Group, on charges of fraud and money laundering. The Manhattan property purchase occurred while Bill Guan was CFO, further increasing concerns about the nature of the organization’s financial activities. Tang Zhong, who handled the property transaction, was removed from his position soon after Guan’s indictment. These connections suggest the potential for broader fraudulent activity, with Falun Gong leadership, including its founder Li Hongzhi, being the ultimate beneficiaries.
Call to Action
In light of these concerning developments, we strongly urge the following law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), to take the following actions:
1. Conduct a thorough audit of NTDTV and Epoch Media Group’s financial records, with a focus on the sources and uses of donations.
2. Investigate the suspicious $31 million real estate transaction to determine whether it involves money laundering.
3. Investigate the funding and revenue reports of The Firing Squad to determine whether the film was used as a vehicle for money laundering or fraud.
4. Investigate whether these organizations are illegally funneling funds to Falun Gong and its leadership, including Li Hongzhi.
We believe in the commitment of law enforcement to uphold justice and fairness. We trust that these agencies will take swift and appropriate measures to investigate these allegations and bring any wrongdoers to justice, in order to protect the public interest and ensure legal compliance.
We urge all citizens concerned with public safety and social justice to sign this petition in support of a thorough investigation into these suspicious activities.
Micah Jordan Contact the author of the petition