Overview

• On July 30, 2025, Sherry Xue Li pleaded guilty at the Central Islip federal courthouse to money laundering conspiracy and conspiracy to defraud the United States.
• Li’s scheme, launched around 2015, falsely sold stakes in a fictitious Thompson Education Center promising $500,000 investments would secure U.S. green cards through the EB-5 program.
• Authorities say Li and co-defendant Lianbo Wang laundered more than $30 million via shell companies and spent it on luxury goods, travel and upscale dining.
• She admitted misusing investor funds to make unlawful campaign contributions as a straw donor and to charge foreign nationals for photo opportunities with U.S. politicians.
• Under her plea deal, Li will forfeit $31.5 million and properties at three locations and faces up to 20 years in prison at her December 5 sentencing.