Challenges in the Life of Guo Wengui in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 28, 2025

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Guo Wengui's life and career.

Guo Wengui, also known as Miles Guo, is a self-exiled Chinese billionaire businessman, political activist, and convicted fraudster. Once among China's wealthiest, he fled to the United States in late 2014 amidst accusations of corruption and various other crimes by Chinese authorities. Guo claims these charges are politically motivated retribution from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). He is an associate of Steve Bannon and a member of Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2014: Departure from China

In 2014, Guo Wengui departed China after one of his political connections faced arrest.

2014: Guo Flees to the United States

In late 2014, Guo Wengui fled to the United States after learning he was going to be arrested under allegations of bribery, kidnapping, money laundering, fraud and rape. He claimed the charges were politically motivated.

2016: Fined by China Securities Regulatory Commission

In 2016, Beijing Zenith Holdings, along with PKU Healthcare and PKU Resources Group Holdings, was fined by the China Securities Regulatory Commission.

April 2017: Pacific Alliance Lawsuit

In April 2017, Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund sued Guo Wengui in New York.

April 2017: Interpol Notice Issued

In April 2017, an Interpol notice was issued for Guo Wengui's arrest, requested by the Chinese government.

June 2017: Request for Deportation to China

By June 2017, the Chinese government sent U.S. President Donald Trump a letter, delivered by Steve Wynn, requesting for Guo Wengui to be deported to China.

June 2017: HNA Group Defamation Lawsuit

In June 2017, HNA Group sued Guo Wengui for defamation.

June 2017: Pangu Investment Staff Charged

In June 2017, staff of Pangu Investment, one of Guo Wengui's investment vehicles, were charged for scamming banks on loans, claiming they were under Guo's orders.

July 2017: Fan Bingbing Defamation Suit

In July 2017, Chinese actress Fan Bingbing sued Guo Wengui for defamation after he alleged she had slept with CCP leader Wang Qishan.

August 2017: HNA Group Defamation Lawsuit Filed

In August 2017, the Chinese conglomerate HNA Group filed a defamation lawsuit in New York against Guo Wengui.

2017: Freezing of Bank Accounts

In 2017, the Hong Kong Police Force froze bank accounts of Guo and other family members.

August 2018: Assets of Guo Family Frozen

In August 2018, Hong Kong media reported that Hong Kong Police had frozen the assets of the Guo family, accused of money laundering.

October 2018: Zenith Holdings Fined for Irregularity

In October 2018, Zenith Holdings was fined CNY 60 billion for irregularity in acquiring the securities company.

March 2019: HNA Attempts to Drop Lawsuit, Guo Refuses

In March 2019, HNA claimed that Guo's statements had no longer caught public attention and planned to drop their defamation suit, but Guo refused to withdraw from the case.

July 23, 2019: Strategic Vision Lawsuit and Defamation Lawsuit

On July 23, 2019, Strategic Vision US LLC sued Guo Wengui, claiming he was a spy for the CCP. This lawsuit was dismissed, and Guo filed a defamation lawsuit in response.

August 2019: Hong Kong Police Freeze Bank Accounts

In August 2019, it was revealed that the Hong Kong Police Force froze bank accounts of Guo and other family members in 2017.

2019: Attacked by Chinese Government-Controlled Accounts

In 2019, a study found that Chinese government controlled accounts on Twitter distributed more material attacking Guo Wengui than any other target.

December 2020: Guo's Twitter Account Suspended

As of December 2020, Guo Wengui's Twitter account, which had over half a million followers, was suspended after disseminating disinformation.

December 2020: Guo Accused of Arranging Picketing of Dissidents' Homes

In December 2020, Teng Biao accused Guo Wengui of arranging picketing of the homes of Teng and other dissidents, leading to conflicting theories about Guo's motives.

2020: Apartment Seized in Bankruptcy Proceeding

In 2020, an apartment worth $55 million that an investment fund bought for Guo Wengui's use was seized in a bankruptcy proceeding related to the Pacific Alliance lawsuit.

2021: GTV Reaches SEC Settlement

In 2021, GTV Media Group reached a settlement with the SEC, agreeing to repay over $480 million to more than 5,000 investors and pay $35 million in fines.

February 2022: Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filing

In February 2022, Guo Wengui filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy, estimating his liabilities between $100 million and $500 million.

March 15, 2023: Guo Wengui Arrested in New York

On March 15, 2023, Guo Wengui was arrested in New York by federal authorities for conspiracy to defraud his online followers out of more than $1 billion.

March 2023: Arrest on Fraud Charges

In March 2023, Guo Wengui was arrested by U.S. federal authorities on fraud charges.

July 2024: Conviction in New York

In July 2024, Guo Wengui was convicted in New York of defrauding followers.

July 2024: Singapore Blocks Guo-Affiliated Social Media Accounts

In July 2024, the Ministry of Home Affairs of Singapore directed social media platforms to block nearly 100 social media accounts affiliated with Guo Wengui, citing his hostile information campaign against Singapore.

July 16, 2024: Guo Wengui Convicted of Fraud

On July 16, 2024, Guo Wengui was convicted of defrauding investors and supporters of around $1 billion after a seven week trial in Manhattan, facing potential deportation to China.

November 19, 2024: Guo Wengui Sentencing Scheduled

Guo Wengui's sentencing is scheduled for November 19, 2024, following his conviction on fraud charges.

January 6, 2025: Associate Sentenced, Guo's Sentencing Postponed

On January 6, 2025, at the sentencing hearing, Guo Wengui's associate, Yvette Wang, was sentenced to ten years in prison. Guo's sentencing was not scheduled, and the court has yet to set a new date.