From Caribbean360

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, Friday, June 3, 2016 – Government is promising to take “appropriate action” against an investor who acquired citizenship under the country’s Citizen By Investment programme and had landed in legal troubles in the United States.

Charles Liu, who had committed to a multi-million dollar tourism project in Mt Hartman back in September last year, has been charged with violating anti-fraud laws in the US and has had his assets frozen.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has accused him and his female partner of running a visa scheme in which they misused two-thirds of the US $27 million raised from dozens of Chinese investors seeking visas.

According to the SEC, the funds were to be invested in a cancer treatment facility, a project that would have helped Chinese investors obtain permanent U.S. immigration visas under a federal program known as EB-5.

However, the funds were reportedly transferred to three firms in China, including one in which Lui is chief executive and chairman. Some US$7 million allegedly went into the couple’s personal accounts.

The SEC said no construction has started at the proposed facility site more than 18 months after the couple began taking investments.

In a statement issued today, government revealed it had received information on Lui based on its ongoing cooperation agreement with third party countries.

“Through our diplomatic channels, the Government of Grenada continues to monitor the situation, to communicate with all diplomatic and other sources, and continues to fully engage mutual cooperation with all the parties concerned,” it said.

“The Government of Grenada stands ready to take the appropriate action as the facts are ascertained.”

Read more: http://www.caribbean360.com/news/grenada-investor-charged-visa-scam-us#ixzz4ApQVIwp6