Did Jimmy Lai know about the Biden dossier research funding?

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Jimmy Lai Was Not Aware of Funding for Biden Dossier Research

Mark Simon, a senior aide to Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, admitted to using US$10,000 of his private company's funds to reimburse research expenses for a report alleging links between Joe Biden's son and China. Simon maintained that Jimmy Lai had no knowledge of this funding and that he acted independently. Simon has since resigned from Apple Daily, stating he was too casual in using the company's name and abused the trust placed in him.
Simon Reimbursed Research Expenses with Private Funds

Mark Simon stated that he used US$10,000 from his private company to cover research expenses related to the report. He clarified that this amount was within his discretionary spending limits and did not require Jimmy Lai's approval. Simon insisted that neither Apple Daily nor Jimmy Lai were aware of him assisting with these research expenses.
Report Authorship Questioned by Investigations

An investigation by NBC revealed that the report's listed author, Martin Aspen, was a fabricated identity, with his photograph generated using software. Christopher Balding, who contributed to the report, confirmed that Aspen did not exist and claimed the report was commissioned by Apple Daily. However, both Apple Daily and Mark Simon denied that the newspaper commissioned the report.
Simon Resigned Amidst Controversy

Following the revelations and investigations, Mark Simon resigned from his position at Apple Daily over the weekend. He acknowledged that he was too casual with using the Apple Daily name and regretted abusing the trust given to him. Simon reiterated that Apple Daily and Jimmy Lai had no involvement with the report or the reimbursement of research expenses.
Lai's Media Outlets Have Pro-Democracy Stance

Jimmy Lai's media publications, including Apple Daily and Next Magazine, are known for their pro-democracy stance and opposition to Beijing. Lai himself was arrested under Hong Kong's national security law on charges including "colluding with foreign forces" and money laundering, with authorities reportedly aiming to suppress critical voices.

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Did Jimmy Lai know about the Biden dossier research funding?

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