As clashes continue between agitators and federal law enforcement in Minneapolis, new scrutiny is falling on the funding sources allegedly driving the unrest targeting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Investigators and lawmakers are increasingly pointing to a network of dark money groups with ties to far-left activism and alleged Chinese Communist Party influence.
An investigation this week identified several organizations accused of playing central roles in mobilizing agitators in Minneapolis. According to the report, these groups have used coordinated communication channels to encourage activists to take to the streets not only in Minnesota but in other cities as well. Among the most prominent organizations named are the Party for Socialism and Liberation and The People’s Forum, both described as lead voices in organizing and facilitating the unrest.
Reports and congressional probes indicate that both groups are heavily subsidized by Neville Roy Singham, a former American tech entrepreneur turned Shanghai resident. Singham, once a U.S. citizen who built a fortune in the tech sector, sold his IT consulting company in 2017 for $785 million and later relocated to China. A 2023 New York Times investigation detailed his alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party and his efforts to bankroll extremist groups aligned with his ideological views.
According to the Times, Singham has funneled more than a quarter-billion dollars into dark money organizations in the United States, many of which operate with little transparency. Some of these entities reportedly use vague names and list addresses linked to general mailboxes, making it difficult to trace their operations or funding streams.
Singham, now 71, reportedly shares office space in Shanghai with the Maku Group, a Chinese media company he funds that has been associated with pro-CCP messaging and a stated mission to “tell China’s story well.” His interactions with federal authorities date back decades. In 1974, the FBI investigated him over concerns he may have been engaged in activities contrary to U.S. interests.
Despite that history, Singham’s move to China has complicated efforts to hold him accountable. A former federal prosecutor said that Singham’s overseas residence effectively shields him from subpoenas, allowing his financial networks to continue operating with little direct oversight.
In recent years, lawmakers have launched multiple investigations into Singham and the organizations tied to him. In June, the House Oversight Committee, led by Rep. James Comer, opened an inquiry into Singham’s alleged role in funding anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles. Committee members cited his support for far-left groups that oppose U.S. interests. The Oversight Committee has also linked Singham to the Party for Socialism and Liberation, which it says has a history of organizing destructive protests and civil unrest.
The People’s Forum has also been scrutinized. Last year, the House Ways and Means Committee questioned the IRS about tax-exempt organizations promoting CCP propaganda, specifically naming The People’s Forum.
Concerns have also been raised over Singham’s lack of registration under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Lawmakers from both chambers have flagged that omission as a serious red flag, particularly given his alleged foreign ties and political spending. According to former federal prosecutor Andrew Cherkasky, enforcing accountability is difficult when funding flows through nonprofit structures that are not required to disclose donors.
Cherkasky said there is little doubt that the unrest in Minneapolis is being supported by coordinated groups rather than occurring spontaneously. He argued that the protests show signs of organized backing that has resulted in repeated acts of criminal misconduct.
While investigations continue, Singham’s presence in China remains a major obstacle. As Cherkasky explained, subpoenas are difficult to enforce outside U.S. borders, though criminal charges could potentially trigger extradition efforts. For now, however, lawmakers say the dark money network fueling the unrest remains largely out of reach, even as its impact is playing out on American streets.
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