Lawmakers are intensifying their investigation into three nonprofits tied to tech entrepreneur Neville Roy Singham. The focus is on whether millions of dollars from these groups are supporting Chinese Communist Party interests within the U.S. The Republican-led House Ways and Means Committee seeks financial records and documents from these organizations. Singham and other nonprofit leaders might testify before Congress if they do not comply with the subpoenas by Tuesday.
The investigation targets The People’s Forum Inc. in New York City, BreakThrough News, a nonprofit media outlet, and the Tricontinental Institute for Social Research in Massachusetts. The committee argues that funds are being misused to promote foreign propaganda, highlighting the urgent need for transparency.
Subpoenas and Depositions
If documentation is not provided, leaders from these groups, including Singham, might have to testify under oath. The committee has identified 21 individuals for potential questioning. These include figures like Manolo De Los Santos from The People’s Forum, Zoe Alexandra from BreakThrough News, and Vijay Prashad from Tricontinental.
The organizations claim that the inquiry is politically motivated and infringes upon their First Amendment rights. They argue that the committee’s demands focus unfairly on their political perspectives and protected activities.
Network and Financial Inquiries
The committee alleges Singham channeled funds through hidden entities to obscure their sources. An estimated $278 million has flowed into U.S. nonprofits linked to him, with $40.3 million reaching the three groups under scrutiny. Existing tax laws are under review to ensure they protect against foreign influence via nonprofits.
Singham, who sold his company ThoughtWorks for $785 million in 2017, faces broader federal investigation for potential financial crimes, including wire and bank fraud. No charges have been announced.
Response from BreakThrough News
BreakThrough News refutes claims of misconduct, citing independent editorial work. In opposition, it has launched a petition against the investigation and seeks financial support for legal defenses. The outlet’s leaders criticize the committee for perceived unconstitutional actions and privacy violations.
Other prominent figures have labeled the investigation as reminiscent of historical McCarthyism, referencing past government inquiries into communist activities.
Ongoing Legal Battle
The investigation began with The People’s Forum in 2025 and expanded in 2026 to other groups. Legal objections have been raised, challenging the scope and justification of the subpoenas, which critics claim lack legitimate legislative purpose.
The committee maintains that the inquiry’s focus is strictly on financial and organizational structures, dismissing allegations of political bias. Future developments depend on responses from the involved parties and possible legal interventions.