Prosecutors Suggest They May Ask to Disqualify Comey’s Attorney

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the USA

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Image Source: Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

Federal prosecutors have notified a Virginia federal court that they may seek to disqualify the lead attorney for former FBI director James Comey due to potential conflicts of interest. The government’s late‐Sunday filing informed U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff that attorney Patrick Fitzgerald’s past involvement with Comey’s media disclosures following his 2017 dismissal by President Donald Trump “could inform a potential conflict and disqualification issue.”

Comey pleaded not guilty earlier this month to one count of false statements and one count of obstructing a congressional proceeding, arising from his September 2020 Senate testimony. According to the motion, prosecutors are asking the court to establish a “filter protocol” to allow a separate team to review certain documents currently under quarantine because they involve communications between Comey and attorneys including Fitzgerald before the trial team gains access.

In their response, Comey’s lawyers dismissed the notion of any conflict of interest, stating “there is no good-faith basis for attributing criminal conduct to either Mr. Comey or his lead defense counsel” and warning that the government’s expedited review plan appears “unlawful.” They also argued that the filter proposal threatens attorney‐client privilege and have asked the court to deny the request, citing the need for adequate time to respond.

Prosecutors’ conflict concerns center on Fitzgerald’s role in arranging for Comey’s memoranda created after his firing to be disseminated to the media. A 2019 Justice Department Inspector General report found that while classified information was involved, the case against Comey’s attorneys was declined at that time. Nonetheless, the new filing contends that Fitzgerald’s past conduct blurs his ability to represent Comey without related adverse personal interests.

Fitzgerald, a former U.S. attorney and longtime friend of Comey, has not commented publicly. The judge must now determine whether the documents at issue warrant immediate review by a neutral “filter” team, and whether Fitzgerald should be removed from the case entirely a decision that could significantly reshape the defence strategy.

China Expels Nine Top Generals in Sweeping Military Purge Ahead of Key Party Meeting

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

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Image Source: AFP via Getty Images

In one of the largest public military crackdowns in decades, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has expelled nine top generals, accusing them of serious financial misconduct and violations of party discipline. The move comes just days before a key Central Committee plenum, where leaders will discuss China’s long-term economic strategy and fill new political appointments.

According to a statement from China’s defence ministry, the generals “seriously violated party discipline and were suspected of duty-related crimes involving an extremely large amount of money.” They have also been stripped of their military ranks and now face prosecution.

Among those expelled is He Weidong, the vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and the country’s second-highest-ranking military officer after President Xi Jinping. His disappearance from public view since March had already sparked speculation of an investigation. Other senior figures include Miao Hua, He Hongjun, and Wang Houbin, the latter serving as commander of China’s Rocket Forces.

While Beijing described the purge as part of an ongoing anti-corruption campaign, analysts say it also reflects Xi Jinping’s tightening political control over the military and government apparatus. “In Xi’s view, cutting out corrupt or disloyal cadres is the Party’s ‘self-revolution,’” said Neil Thomas of the Asia Society Policy Institute. “But this also makes governance more cautious and at times, more brittle.”

The CMC has been signaling an intensified crackdown for months, issuing new “iron rules” to eliminate “toxic influences” within the armed forces. The latest expulsions follow the earlier removals of defense ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, as well as the unexplained disappearances of several high-profile civilian officials.

Observers say the upcoming Fourth Plenum on October 20 will reveal the true extent of Xi’s reshuffle and how deeply his latest purge has reshaped China’s political and military elite.

Wealthy Families Turn to Hong Kong and Singapore as Twin Hubs for Growth in Asia

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

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Image Source: AFP

Wealthy families worldwide are increasingly using Hong Kong and Singapore as twin hubs for expanding their investments in Asia, focusing on real estate and private direct investments for long-term growth, according to Julius Baer’s 2025 Family Barometer report.

The report, based on insights from 2,500 family office experts across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, found that affluent families are shifting from traditional wealth management toward institutional-style platforms that support cross-border and multi-generational goals.

“Families are moving beyond managing wealth. They want structures that sustain growth across generations,” said Christos Anagnostopoulos, head of family office solutions and advisory for Asia at Julius Baer.

Singapore and Hong Kong stand out for their infrastructure, skilled talent, and regional relevance. Singapore’s political stability and clear regulatory environment attract clients from across Asia and the Indian subcontinent, while Hong Kong’s proximity to mainland China and international appeal draw both Chinese and global families.

Hong Kong currently hosts about 2,700 single-family offices, and Singapore has more than 2,000. Both cities have introduced tax incentives and residency schemes to attract wealthy investors. Hong Kong’s Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, launched in 2023, has already helped attract 200 new family offices, with plans to add 220 more in the next three years.

The report noted that many families view Hong Kong and Singapore as complementary rather than competing hubs. Hong Kong offers access to mainland markets, while Singapore provides diversification across Asia.

Real estate and private investments remain dominant in family office portfolios, aligning with younger generations’ focus on legacy, values, and long-term impact. Julius Baer also highlighted a growing concern about longevity, as family offices increasingly plan wealth strategies that span up to five living generations.