Attorney General Alan Wilson announced on Mar. 11 that WeChat has agreed to new commitments aimed at helping American law enforcement disrupt fentanyl-related money laundering on its platform, following months of pressure from a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general.
The issue is significant as illegal fentanyl distribution continues to impact communities in South Carolina and across the country. Efforts to stop the financial networks supporting drug dealers are seen as a key step in addressing the broader opioid crisis.
“One of my top priorities as Attorney General is fighting illegal fentanyl distribution because it’s killing South Carolinians,” Wilson said. “We’re also working to stop the money laundering that allows these drug dealers to stay in business.”
In May, the coalition sent WeChat a public letter outlining evidence of the platform’s role in facilitating money laundering and called for concrete action within 30 days. As a result, WeChat has now made specific, enforceable commitments regarding its operations. However, officials noted that WeChat’s Chinese-based sister app, Weixin, still operates under Chinese data privacy laws and does not currently respond to U.S. law enforcement requests. Many brokers involved in these transactions are based in China, making this an ongoing concern for authorities.
Wilson was joined by attorneys general from North Carolina, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Kentucky, and Colorado in securing these agreements.
The South Carolina Attorney General supports victims of crime through advocacy and resources and contributes to community safety and protection according to the official website. The office serves as the state’s primary legal advocate and enforcer by handling prosecutions and regulations according to the official website. Wilson has served as head of the office according to the official website, which extends its operations statewide according to the official website. The Attorney General also enforces laws related to securities and consumer protection according to the official website and collaborates with state law enforcement agencies on criminal prosecutions according to the official website.
Looking ahead, closing gaps related to international cooperation remains a priority for Wilson and his colleagues as they continue efforts against fentanyl trafficking networks.
