JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Today, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey expanded his investigation into the Chinese Service Center in St. Louis to ensure its compliance with Missouri law. He issued a civil investigative demand – subpoena power reserved for the Attorney General’s Office – after his office obtained evidence that the service center has violated the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act.
“As Attorney General, I will enforce the laws as written, which includes holding accountable those who violate the law by taking advantage of Missouri non-profits,” said Attorney General Bailey. “Our investigation centers on allegations that the communist government of China is attempting to establish a footprint in the Show Me State. My office takes these allegations very seriously and will continue to fight for and protect Missouri citizens and consumers.”
The civil investigative demand issued by the Attorney General demands records from the Chinese Service Center (CSC) in relation to the acts or omissions of their solicitation of donations and other activities. The CSC reportedly has close associations to the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
“This investigation will inquire into, among other things, the acts and omissions of Subject(s) in connection with the solicitation and reporting of charitable funds in or from Missouri. The Attorney General has reason to believe that the Subject(s) have engaged in, are engaging in, or are about to engage in, deception, fraud, false promises, misrepresentation, unfair practices, and/or the concealment, suppression, or omission of material facts in connection with the solicitation of charitable funds,” the CID states.
Attorney General Bailey originally launched this investigation in 2023 after a member of Missouri’s Congressional delegation referred information to his office. This occurred after allegations surfaced that the People’s Republic of China was creating a global network of so-called “service centers” loyal to the Chinese Communist Party and whose mission was to advance China’s foreign policy objectives. Independent sources estimate that there are perhaps over 100 such service centers across the globe. In addition to being used as an arm of the Chinese government, there are grave concerns that some centers have been used as outposts from which to target individuals who formerly lived in China.
With the CID issued today, Attorney General Bailey is subpoenaing documents that will further his investigation into alleged ties between the Chinese government, the Chinese Communist Party, and the non-profit Chinese Service Center organized under Missouri state law.