A recent investigation has revealed troubling activities on a Telegram channel managed by a Chinese “cyber police” agent. This channel, used by Chinese nationals to illegally enter the U.S., appears to also facilitate prostitution and human trafficking, according to the Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF).
The Telegram channel, known as the “American Self-Guided Tour Channel,” provides information for illegal immigration, such as border wall gaps and asylum-seeking scripts. The channel, controlled by a pro-Chinese Communist Party (CCP) agent, was discovered by DCNF after analyzing a phone abandoned by an illegal immigrant near the California-Mexico border.
DCNF found numerous posts advertising illegal activities, including prostitution. Many ads described the workers as illegal immigrants from China. The channel also featured posts by human smugglers, or “snakeheads,” recruiting workers for massage parlors that advertise on escort websites.
Former Border Patrol agent Ammon Blair noted, “Nail salons and massage parlors have been used as fronts for money laundering and other illicit activities by Chinese nationals linked to the CCP.”
The surge in Chinese illegal immigration, up 1,100% since 2022, is seen as a national security threat. Intelligence experts and lawmakers, such as Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), warn that the CCP facilitates such activities to advance its goals.
“This vast effort by Beijing requires a stronger response from the Biden Administration,” Rubio stated.
The investigation also highlighted the complexities of these operations. For instance, one Telegram account, @sungou999, promoted prostitution and advertised businesses that engage in illegal activities. When contacted, the massage parlors confirmed offering illicit services.
The use of Telegram and other platforms for recruiting and coordinating these activities poses significant challenges for law enforcement. The DCNF’s findings suggest a need for more robust measures to combat human trafficking and illegal immigration facilitated by foreign entities.
