Chinese Businessman Guo Wengui Sentenced to 30 Years in U.S. Fraud Case

Chinese businessman Guo Wengui, once believed to be among China's wealthiest entrepreneurs, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison in the United States after being convicted of operating a billion-dollar fraud scheme, BBC News reported.

Guo, who is also known as Miles Guo and Ho Wan Kwok, maintains his innocence and plans to appeal both his conviction and sentence. (Photo: Guo Wengui YouTube )

Guo, who fled China for the United States in 2017 and became a vocal critic of the Chinese Communist Party, was convicted on charges including racketeering, fraud, and money laundering.

US District Judge Analisa Torres said Guo had "preyed on those seeking to bring democracy to China," using investors' money to finance a lavish lifestyle.

Guo's attorney, Melinda Sarafa, described the sentence as excessive, arguing that many investors do not believe they were defrauded.

Guo, who is also known as Miles Guo and Ho Wan Kwok, maintains his innocence and plans to appeal both his conviction and sentence.

US prosecutor Sean Buckley said the case demonstrates that "fame and wealth do not place you above the law" and that those who defraud investors will face serious consequences.