A federal judge in Manhattan sentenced Chinese tycoon and outspoken critic of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Guo Wengui, to 30 years in prison on Monday for fraud and racketeering. The sentence also includes the forfeiture of $889 million tied to his alleged criminal activities.

Guo, also known as Miles Kwok and in his late 50s, had been convicted in July 2024 on nine of 12 felony counts related to the misuse of substantial funds contributed by his followers. These funds were raised as part of a U.S.-based campaign opposing the CCP. A jury found Guo guilty of diverting more than $1 billion from those donations. Prosecutors likened him to the notorious Wall Street Ponzi schemer Bernard Madoff, whose fraud garnered a 150-year sentence, and suggested that Guo’s harm exceeded that of former cryptocurrency magnate Sam Bankman-Fried, who is currently serving 25 years.

Guo’s defense attorneys said they plan to appeal the conviction, disputing the government’s assessment of the financial losses as “flawed arithmetic” and emphasizing Guo’s backing from many who the government described as victims. Guo himself has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.

During sentencing, Judge Analisa Torres, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, acknowledged that Guo and his family may have endured abuses under the CCP’s regime but emphasized that such circumstances do not justify fraudulent conduct. “I struggle to compare Mr. Guo’s case with any other,” she remarked.

Guo appeared in court looking resolute and acknowledged the crowd of supporters present by nodding and clasping his hands in a praying gesture, a demeanor he had exhibited repeatedly during his trial. While he did not testify during the trial, Guo addressed the court on Monday, mostly describing a recent incident in which he fainted and vomited blood, causing a delay in the day’s proceedings. He used bloodied tissues to stem the bleeding throughout the session.

He reiterated his anti-CCP stance, stating to the judge, “The reason I came to the U.S. is to destroy the CCP,” but did not otherwise comment on the allegations against him, accusing the prosecution of dishonesty.

Guo’s supporters have called for a pardon, potentially from former President Donald Trump, whose administration has sympathized with Guo’s anti-CCP position. Meanwhile, the Chinese government continues to demand his extradition. The sentencing marks a significant development in a high-profile case that has drawn international attention due to its political and financial dimensions.