The United States Department of Justice has charged Gal Luft, the head of a US think tank, with being an agent of China and engaging in illicit activities, including brokering weapon sales and Iranian oil deals. Federal prosecutors in New York have accused Luft, a dual citizen of the US and Israel, of violating foreign agent registration laws and working to promote Chinese policies through undisclosed connections with a former high-ranking US government official.
In a statement, prosecutors described Luft’s actions as “multiple, serious, criminal schemes,” emphasizing his efforts to subvert the law and deceive law enforcement.
Luft, aged 57, was arrested at Cyprus airport in February but subsequently fled after being released on bail during pending US extradition proceedings. The Department of Justice is now seeking information on his current whereabouts.
In a statement, prosecutors described Luft’s actions as “multiple, serious, criminal schemes,” emphasizing his efforts to subvert the law and deceive law enforcement.
The Institute for the Analysis of Global Security, a Washington, DC-based think tank co-founded by Luft, specializes in analyzing energy, security, and economic trends. However, according to the Department of Justice, Luft allegedly used his position within the institute to broker illegal arms deals involving Chinese companies.
These deals reportedly facilitated the sale of weapons to various countries, including Libya, the United Arab Emirates, and Kenya, without the required licenses under US law.
Furthermore, Luft stands accused of arranging meetings between Iranian officials and a Chinese energy company to discuss oil transactions, despite the existing US sanctions against Iran. Prosecutors assert that Luft intentionally misled law enforcement and has been involved in a series of deceitful acts related to his alleged crimes.
The charges against Luft have sparked controversy, with some Republican politicians claiming that they are an attempt to intimidate a key witness. Luft, himself, has made allegations of corruption against the family of US President Joe Biden.
However, the Department of Justice maintains that the charges are based on extensive evidence and independent of any political motivations.
Luft, a prominent figure with over 15,000 followers on Twitter, previously announced his arrest in Cyprus on February 18 through a tweet. He denied being an arms dealer and described his arrest as a politically motivated extradition request by the US.
The US government urges anyone with information about Gal Luft’s whereabouts to come forward and assist in his apprehension
