A federal judge sentenced Chinese self‑exiled billionaire Guo Wengui to 30 years in a United States prison for fraud that prosecutors say defrauded more than 1,000 people worldwide of hundreds of millions of dollars.

Guo, who fled China in 2015 and settled in New York, became known for his criticism of the Chinese Communist Party.

A Manhattan jury found him guilty in 2024 of securities fraud, wire fraud and money laundering, and a judge ordered him to forfeit $889 million in restitution.

Victims testified that they lost life savings and suffered anxiety and shame, while prosecutors requested the 30‑year term, describing the scheme as having destroyed hundreds of lives.

Guo’s lawyers argued the case was politically motivated and that he bore no responsibility, claiming the prison term would validate China’s smear campaign against dissidents.

The sentencing represents one of the largest fraud cases brought by U.S. authorities involving a foreign national and highlights ongoing tensions between U.S. authorities and Chinese dissidents.