House Committee Demands California City's Documents on Illegal Chinese-Owned Biolab
The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has issued a subpoena to the City of Reedley, California, demanding documents related to an illegal biolab with connections to China. The lab, operated by Prestige Biotech Inc. (PBI), was found to be operating without a license and housing potentially infectious agents. The committee's request comes after officials from Fresno County discovered at least 20 infectious agents, including Malaria and Dengue virus, on the property.
Concerns over Safeguards and Government Response
The committee's review of the evidence has revealed troubling gaps in safeguards that allowed the clandestine lab to operate unchecked. There are also concerns about deficiencies in the federal government's response to the situation. Reedley has handed over documents, photographs, and video footage as requested by the committee.
Unlicensed and Unregulated Operations
Court documents indicate that PBI and its predecessor, Universal Meditech Inc. (UMI), have been operating an unlicensed and unregulated lab in Reedley since October 2022. Officials attempted to make contact with lab workers starting in December 2022 but were unsuccessful until March 2023. Subsequent inspections revealed unsafe and unsanitary conditions, including genetically engineered mice carrying COVID-19 and improperly stored blood and bodily fluids.
Connections to Chinese Pharmaceutical Suppliers
The Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF) uncovered potential connections between PBI and UMI executives and a pharmaceutical supplier located in a Chinese industrial park backed by the CCP. Business filings suggest that UMI's CEO and PBI's managing member share the same names as executives of Ai De Biopharmaceutical in Qingdao, China. The DCNF also identified shipments sent between the Chinese suppliers and UMI and PBI.
In conclusion, the House committee's demand for documents from the City of Reedley sheds light on an illegal biolab with ties to China. The discovery raises concerns about the lack of safeguards and the government's response to such operations. It also highlights potential connections between the lab and Chinese pharmaceutical suppliers. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for national security and the regulation of biolabs in the United States.
Implications for New Businesses
The discovery of an illegal, China-linked biolab in California could have significant implications for new businesses, particularly those in the biotech industry. The unlicensed and unregulated operations of Prestige Biotech Inc. (PBI) highlight the importance of compliance with local and federal regulations.
Regulatory Compliance and Business Reputation
Businesses must ensure they are operating within the confines of the law to avoid legal repercussions and damage to their reputation. The discovery of unsafe and unsanitary conditions at PBI's lab underscores the necessity of maintaining high standards of safety and cleanliness in all business operations.
International Business Relations
The potential connections between PBI and Chinese pharmaceutical suppliers also raise questions about international business relations. New businesses must be diligent in vetting their international partners and ensuring transparency in their operations.
In conclusion, the case of the illegal biolab in California serves as a cautionary tale for new businesses. It underscores the importance of regulatory compliance, maintaining high operational standards, and exercising due diligence in international partnerships. Businesses that fail to adhere to these principles risk legal consequences, damage to their reputation, and potential loss of customer trust.
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