The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced that the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), often considered far-left, is facing indictments on charges of fraud and money laundering related to “violent extremist groups.”
A recent press release from the DOJ indicated that an Alabama grand jury has charged the SPLC with “11 counts of wire fraud, making false statements to a federally insured bank, and conspiracy to commit concealed money laundering.”
The indictment reveals that since the 1980s, the SPLC has been involved in a covert network of individuals connected to violent extremist groups, including the Ku Klux Klan. Notably, while the SPLC publicly condemned these groups, it appears that donations were, without the knowledge of their supporters, being used to support leaders and organizers within these racist factions.
Additionally, between 2014 and 2023, the SPLC reportedly “channeled over $3 million in donations to individuals linked with” organizations like the National Socialist Movement, the United Klan of America, and the Aryan Nations-affiliated Sadistic Souls Motorcycle Club, according to the DOJ’s statement.
“The SPLC is essentially creating racism to maintain its relevance,” stated Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “It’s unacceptable for them to profit from Klansmen through donation funds.”
In a post on X, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel mentioned that he and Blanche have “announced 11 indictments” against the SPLC.
Patel elaborated, saying, “The SPLC has allegedly conducted extensive fraud to mislead donors, enrich itself, and conceal its actions from the public. They promised to dismantle violent extremist groups, misled their supporters, and then ended up financially supporting the leaders of those groups, enabling criminal activities at both state and federal levels.”
