The National Police Defense Foundation (NPDF), founded in 1995 by Joseph Occhipinti, is under investigation for potentially aiding the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in infiltrating U.S. law enforcement, New York Post reported.
The organization is suspected of establishing connections that may have helped the CCP monitor Chinese dissidents in the U.S. It used high-profile events and relationships with key figures to form these links.
Joseph Occhipinti, the founder of NPDF, first met Liu Wei, a suspected Chinese intelligence agent, in December 1999. This meeting began a long-term association that U.S. authorities are now closely examining.
Liu Wei, linked to China Security and Protection Company Ltd (CSP), was introduced to U.S. law enforcement and private security sectors through NPDF's efforts. He earned praise as a combatant against international crime and received NPDF’s Distinguished Member Award in 2015 after donating $10,000.
NPDF has been hosting annual gala dinners sponsored by organizations including CSP, at Russo's On the Bay in Queens. These events have significantly contributed to fostering relationships between U.S. personnel and representatives of Chinese interests.
Liu Wei further solidified his presence in the U.S. security apparatus by acquiring substantial equity in Beau Dietl & Associates, with the facilitation of the NPDF. This deal was notably brokered through a retired FBI special agent.
The relationship spanned over decades with numerous interactions reportedly disclosed to the FBI. Joseph Occhipinti has emphasized the transparency of his organization's operations, asserting that all activities were known to U.S. authorities.
He stated, "The organization has been transparent over the years, notifying the FBI of their relationships with Chinese officials."
Joseph Occhipinti further explained the engagement with the Chinese firm and their eventual establishment in the U.S. security market.
When Mr. Wei expressed interest in opening a U.S. based security company, he was referred to an attorney and the FBI was notified. Unfortunately, times have changed, and the nature of international relations has evolved significantly since then. The deal was brokered through a well-respected retired FBI special agent who owned a private security company.
The relationship between CSP and Beau Dietl & Associates, however, dissolved, as confirmed by Bo Dietl, who stated last year that he had severed ties with the Chinese firm.
Joseph Occhipinti's controversial background includes a 1991 conviction for conspiracy to violate civil rights; however, former President Trump pardoned him in December 2020. He and his wife, Angela, run the NPDF, which could potentially influence its operations. Furthermore, Liu Wei further integrated into U.S. society when his daughter stayed with the Occhipintis during high school.
In summary, the NPDF, led by Occhipinti, now faces serious allegations of aiding Chinese interests within U.S. law enforcement. Moreover, its actions over the years highlight complex international ties, with ongoing investigations into their full impact.
