Attorney General James Uthmeier Launches CHINA Prevention Unit to Counter Foreign Adversaries and Protect Floridians’ Data

Courtesy of the Office of the Attorney General

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the launch of the Consumer Harm from International Nefarious Actors (CHINA) Prevention Unit. The CHINA Prevention Unit will be a dedicated section within the Office of the Attorney General focused on combating threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and other foreign adversaries to Florida consumers, data privacy, and economic security.

“Florida will not allow foreign adversaries to exploit our markets, steal our data, and threaten our security,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “The focus of this new office will be prevention, which is why we are sending letters to multiple medical device manufacturers to audit and identify any ties with the Chinese Communist Party. If a company is funneling Floridians’ personal information to China or other foreign countries of concern, we will hold them accountable.”

“Attorney General Uthmeier's fraud enforcement protects Florida families and America's national security. The same Chinese cameras going on baby cribs are also being attached to critical infrastructure, beaconing data and backdoors to Beijing,” said Amb. (ret.) Kelley Currie, State Armor Advisory Board. “China's Communist Party pre-programs their medical devices, routers, batteries, televisions and car controls to facilitate remote espionage and even sabotage. These products are subsidized and sold to Florida consumers under false pretenses with fake labeling, defrauding Florida families and endangering our security. Attorney General Uthmeier's legal counterattack provides essential leadership to protect the Free State of Florida and must be replicated across the country.”

“Florida is showing the nation what America First policy looks like at the state level,” said Joe Gebbia, Sr., Founder and CEO of State Shield. "The Chinese Communist Party and other hostile foreign adversaries are targeting our city halls and state capitals. Attorney General Uthmeier has taken a bold step in defending Floridians from this new kind of attack. Every state should follow Florida’s lead and help protect America, one state at a time.”

The CHINA Prevention Unit builds on Attorney General Uthmeier’s ongoing efforts to protect Floridians’ privacy and safety from foreign bad actors. Since taking office, Attorney General Uthmeier has acted against companies with foreign ties:

• Lorex: company that manufactures internet-connected security systems, including baby monitors, for alleged unlawful data practices with ties to China – subpoena issued
• Contec: medical device manufacturer that allegedly routed sensitive patient monitoring data through Chinese servers – subpoenas issued
• TP-Link: company that sells Wi-Fi routers, over concerns related to cybersecurity vulnerabilities and alleged data sharing – subpoenas issued
• Chinese vapes: crackdown on Central Florida smoke shops selling Chinese-made vapes that have been labeled as illegal contraband – complaints filed
• Financial fraud: $23,000 stolen from active-duty U.S. service member due to fraud scheme traced to China – funds recovered & returned
• Cyber fraud: $1.5 million in cryptocurrency laundered by Chinese national – funds seized 

In addition to consumer protection enforcement, Attorney General Uthmeier recently secured a major victory in the appellate courts defending Florida’s law that prevents the Chinese Communist Party from owning Florida land. 

One initial action of the CHINA Prevention Unit, a subpoena has been issued to mega fast-fashion corporation Shein over deceptive trade practices and data privacy violations impacting Florida consumers. 

Attorney General Uthmeier also directed the CHINA Prevention Unit to demand an audit of medical device companies with ties to the Chinese Communist Party. Those companies include Mindray North America, United Imaging, MicroPort, Edan Instruments, Lepu Medical Tech, Shinva Medical Instruments, Neusoft Medical Systems, Longest Medical, and Jiangsu Yuyue Medical. To read the letter, click here.

The CHINA Prevention Unit will actively seek to identify emerging threats, demand transparency from companies operating in Florida, and pursue enforcement actions when foreign actors violate laws and take actions that threaten Floridians.

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