Grift, Disinfo, Fraud? What happened at The Epoch Times?
Jun 11, 2024
25:41
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NBC disinfo reporter Brandy Zadrozny reveals the shady story of The Epoch Times, a conservative newspaper linked to a mysterious Chinese group. They discuss the publication's massive pro-Trump ad spending, questionable financial practices, and spreading of misinformation. Discover how it became a platform for figures like Candace Owens and the repercussions of its CFO's money laundering scandal.
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Quick takeaways
The Epoch Times evolved from a Falun Gong affiliate promoting beliefs into a conservative newspaper supporting Trump.
The CFO of The Epoch Times faces a money laundering scandal that may impact the organization's future.
Deep dives
Overview of Epoch Times Origins and Falun Gong Connection
The Epoch Times originated as a newspaper affiliated with the Falun Gong religious group founded by Master Li. Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, faced persecution in China, leading some believers, including Master Li, to flee to America. Eventually, they started the Epoch Times as a means of promoting their beliefs and countering negative perceptions associated with the Falun Gong movement.
Evolution into Right-Wing Media and Pro-Trump Alignment
Over time, the Epoch Times expanded its operations and shifted towards conservative values, aligning closely with the modern Republican Party and supporting Donald Trump. They employed American journalists who produced click-baity content focusing on pro-Trump narratives and conservative viewpoints. This alignment with Trump's stance on China and other issues resonated with the beliefs of Epoch Times' leaders and followers.
Allegations of Financial Crimes and Potential Impact on Epoch Times
Recently, the Epoch Times CFO, Bill Gwan, was accused of running a money laundering scheme through a team called the 'Make Money Online team.' The scheme involved buying tens of thousands of prepaid debit cards loaded with fraudulently obtained money and selling it via cryptocurrency exchanges. These allegations, if proven true, could significantly impact the Epoch Times' financial operations and future plans, potentially halting their rapid growth and expansion efforts.
We dive into the wild story behind The Epoch Times, a fringe conservative newspaper turned right-wing propaganda machine with ties to a mysterious dissident Chinese meditation movement.
What are its aims? How did it become one of the biggest pro-Trump ad spenders and a destination for the likes of Candace Owens and Conrad Black?
And what will happen now that its CFO is charged in a $67-million money laundering scandal.