WASHINGTON -- A company created just six weeks ago by a pair of Republican operatives collected hundreds of millions of dollars in payments from desperate state and local governments for coronavirus supplies but is now facing a federal criminal investigation and a rising chorus of complaints from customers
WASHINGTON — A company created just six weeks ago by a pair of Republican operatives collected hundreds of millions of dollars in payments from desperate state and local governments for coronavirus supplies but is now facing a federal criminal investigation and a rising chorus of complaints from customers who say their orders never arrived.
The company’s pitch — which was accompanied by endorsements from a well-connected Chinese businessman who is an associate of Thomas — struck a chord with government agencies scrambling to obtain lifesaving supplies as the severity of the pandemic was becoming apparent. Blue Flame’s lawyer, Ethan Bearman, did not respond to questions about the complaints, the demands for refunds or the federal investigation.
The willingness to pay huge sums to an unproven company reflects a desperate clamor to obtain vital equipment at a time of relatively limited supply. And Blue Flame’s inability to quickly make good on its promises underscores the logistical challenges and uncertainty surrounding a private production chain largely influenced by an unpredictable Chinese government and shrouded in concerns about profiteering.
“There was some real fear here about whether or not these third-party vendors and suppliers were legitimate, whether or not they truly had access,” said Grever. After circulating the price sheet, Grever said, he almost immediately received inquiries from local and state law enforcement agencies in Arkansas and Florida interested in doing business with Blue Flame, and referred them to Laura Milford, who served as a liaison to Blue Flame.
In a pitch deck for potential customers obtained by The Times, Blue Flame said it had partnered with a Chinese company called Great Health Companion to procure personal protective equipment directly from Chinese manufacturers in a way that met all Chinese laws and export rules.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Cornerstone, Genesius & Lisa Garner Launch Oz Distribution & Production Firm ‘The Reset Collective’UK sales firm Cornerstone Films, Genesius Pictures (Mrs. Lowry And Son) and distribution executive Lisa Garner have formed The Reset Collective, an Australian distribution and film and TV productio…
Read more »
Chinese firm will reimburse $247.5 million in controversial mask deal, contract showsJust two days after refusing to make the contract public, Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration disclosed the 42-page document on its nearly $1-billion coronavirus mask deal with Chinese electric car maker BYD.
Read more »
Review: Rapman makes bold, startling feature film debut with London-set 'Blue Story'Rapman moves from YouTube to feature films with 'Blue Story,' a tale of two South-East London friends living in different neighborhoods torn apart by gang violence.
Read more »
China April exports, imports set to plummet as virus crushes global demand: Reuters pollChina's exports and imports are expected to record double-digit declines in April after a tentative recovery in March as the coronavirus pandemic batters global demand and disrupts manufacturing supply chains, a Reuters poll showed on Wednesday.
Read more »
Drake & Kenny Chesney Set to Light Up Top of Billboard 200 Albums Chart Next WeekSuperstars Drake and Kenny Chesney are set to light up the top of the Billboard 200 albums chart next week with their latest releases
Read more »