Toronto-Dominion Bank closed down the accounts of a pro-Beijing organization on suspicion of money laundering in the spring of 2023, and shuttered the joint account of then-sitting MP Han Dong without explanation, according to confidential documents.

Records show TD Bank had concerns about suspicious activities of the Confederation of Toronto Chinese Canadian Organizations and the information was passed on to Ottawa’s financial watchdog. The CTCCO has ties to the Chinese consulate and Beijing’s United Front Work Department, which is responsible for overseas propaganda, disinformation and foreign-interference operations.

TD examined CTCCO’s transactions and identified possible money laundering. The “transactions involve individuals or entity (ies) identified by media, law enforcement and/or intelligence agencies as being linked to criminal activities,” according to the documents seen by The Globe and Mail.

TD also suspected the CTCCO accounts were used for “pass through activities.” This is a term used when money is quickly transferred in and out of accounts, often without the account holder having a direct connection to the ultimate beneficiary.