Green Thumbs Fund Chinese Criminal Networks Embedded in the US

This week, three witnesses testified before Congress about the involvement of Chinese nationals in the illicit marijuana trade in the United States. They highlighted the significant risks posed by these criminal networks, which are linked to various illegal activities and national security threats.

1. Witness Testimonies:

• Donnie Anderson from the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics stated that the loose marijuana laws have allowed Chinese organized crime to dominate the black-market marijuana industry in Oklahoma, growing to a value of $153 billion. He described this as a national security threat exacerbated by the Chinese Communist Party's influence.

• Anderson explained how Chinese operators use fraudulent licenses and "straw ownership" to run grow sites. Americans are paid to pose as owners to hide these operations.

• He noted that similar criminal activities are occurring not only in Oklahoma but also in Latin America and the Caribbean, linking them back to the US.

2. Espionage Concerns:

• Philip Larkin, a legal research fellow, supported Anderson's claims and warned that the presence of these grow sites near military installations poses serious espionage threats. He called for stronger law enforcement responses and advocated for legal action against these criminal networks.

3. Project Sleeping Giant:

• Chris Urben, a former DEA agent, discussed “Project Sleeping Giant,” which focused on understanding Chinese transnational criminal organizations. He emphasized that cases involving these drug networks should be treated as serious crimes related to money laundering and trafficking, allowing for broader legal action under RICO laws.

4. Current Investigations:

• Reports indicate ongoing investigations into grow houses operated by Chinese nationals across various states, with significant arrests already made in Massachusetts and Maine.

5. Need for Action:

• The testimonies concluded with recommendations for public education on these criminal networks and the formation of a coordinated task force to dismantle them, suggesting the government prioritize addressing this growing Chinese threat.

The testimonies presented to Congress highlighted a concerning collaboration between Chinese organized crime and illegal marijuana operations in the US. The witnesses urged for immediate action to mitigate national security risks, emphasizing the complexity and seriousness of the issue. Questions remain about the government's capacity to tackle such extensive criminal networks effectively. 

https://www.libertynation.com/green-thumbs-fund-chinese-criminal-networks-embedded-in-the-us/