In 2021, he forfeited NZ$68 million to the New Zealand government as part of a settlement over pyramid scheme activities, the country's largest forfeiture of the proceeds of crime. In 2023, he ran for mayor of Toronto, finishing 11th with 2,983 votes (0.4% of votes cast). During the campaign, media queried the quantity and cost of his election advertising.
Gong was born in China, where he worked as a theatre director, putting on opera and Shakespeare plays. In 2002, he moved to Canada, and in 2008, he obtained Canadian citizenship and abandoned his Chinese citizenship.[2] Gong acquired hotels in Toronto and Michigan, including the Edward Hotel & Convention Center, and started two Chinese-language television stations.[2]
He was known for appearing in a 2016 photo with Justin Trudeau at a Toronto Chinese Community fundraiser.[3] The group is shown making dumplings, Gong's presence drew attention to Mr. Trudeau's cash-for-access dealings.[4]
Gong and his company, Edward Enterprise International Group Inc., faced criminal charges in Canada over the scheme. In February 2021, as part of a settlement agreement, Gong pleaded guilty in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (SCJ) on behalf of his company to forging documents and pyramid scheme selling and had his four personal charges withdrawn. Gong had challenged the use of evidence allegedly coerced from him by Chinese authorities. As part of the settlement, the SCJ fined Gong's company, $756,000, imposed a $229,500 victim surcharge and ordered $15 million to be paid to the Canada Revenue Agency.[2]
In June 2021, Gong forfeited NZ$68 million and some Auckland-based property to the New Zealand government as part of a settlement over pyramid scheme activities in the country. According to the New Zealand Police, it was the largest forfeiture of the proceeds of crime in New Zealand history since the implementation of the forfeiture law in 2009. His accounts in the country had previously been frozen in 2018.[2]
In 2022, the Ontario Securities Commission brought a regulatory enforcement case against Gong, arguing that he committed securities fraud and unregistered trading during his operation of the pyramid scheme. In November 2022, Gong challenged the OSC's use of information it had obtained in its investigation that had previously been used in the criminal case. The Capital Markets Tribunal rejected Gong's challenge in February 2023, and that rejection was upheld by the SCJ in June 2023.[5]
2023 Toronto mayoral run
In 2023, Gong ran for Mayor of Toronto, with campaign promises including hiring 1,000 new police officers, cutting property taxes by $1,000 and making public transit free to ride for riders aged over 55 or under 18.[6]
During the campaign, media queried the quantity and cost of his election advertising,[7][6] with ads posted on television, buses and subway stations. He also posted his advertisement on one of the giant illuminated billboards at Yonge–Dundas Square in downtown Toronto.[7][8] He also participated in the 2023 Toronto Pride parade, with Gong on a float, dressed in a superhero-style outfit sounding a gong.[9]
Gong finished 11th with 2,983 votes (0.4% of votes cast).[10] The following day, Gong questioned the results and called for a recount on Twitter.[11]
In Student Vote Toronto, a mock by-election, 21.7 percent of participating elementary and secondary students voted for Gong placing him in second place after Olivia Chow with 23.4 percent. Some schools voted Gong by over 50 percent.[8]
2024 Mississauga mayoral run
Bonnie Crombie, Mayor of Mississauga, was elected the Ontario Liberal Party leader in December 2023.[12] Subsequently, she announced her resignation as mayor the next day,[13] vacating the seat in January.[14] The 2024 Mississauga mayoral by-election was soon called.[15]
Gong registered as a mayoral candidate on the second last day for registration. A spokesperson told the Toronto Star newspaper that Gong owns property in the city, qualifying him for the run.[16]
Gong placed 9th overall in the election with 0.43% of the vote. [17]
