A group of Senate Republicans is warning that an influx of illicit Chinese e-cigarettes in the United States could pose national security and criminal risks, according to a letter sent to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The letter, first reported by Fox News Digital, claims that these “highly sophisticated” vapes could be used by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to spy on Americans and launder money for Mexican cartels.
The senators, including Steve Daines of Montana, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Katie Britt of Alabama, Eric Schmitt of Missouri, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, and others, raised concerns that some of these devices can connect to users’ cellphones. In their letter, they wrote, “These devices have the capacity to initiate data breaches or malware infections and can also access and collect sensitive user data.” They also warned that targeting U.S. military personnel with these products could have serious national security consequences, citing the close ties between Chinese industry and state intelligence services, as reported by Fox News Digital.
President Donald Trump made cracking down on Chinese vapes a key focus last year, attempting to block shipments at U.S. ports. The Department of Justice, under his leadership, seized around $90 million worth of vape products from China in a single operation.
Beyond the potential for espionage, the lawmakers pointed out that profits from these vapes could fund military and technological initiatives in China that oppose American interests. Additionally, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network has linked the devices to Mexican cartels, who may use them as a front for laundering money—specifically, proceeds from fentanyl sales.
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