CASA Files IRS Complaint Seeking Probe of People’s Forum Tax-Exempt Status Over Alleged Illegal Activities and Foreign Ties

The Center to Advance Security in America (CASA) submitted a whistleblower complaint to the Internal Revenue Service on June 25, 2026, requesting an immediate investigation into the tax-exempt status of The People’s Forum, Inc., a New York-based nonprofit. CASA alleges that the organization has engaged in activities that may violate federal tax laws governing 501(c)(3) entities by supporting protests and events involving illegal conduct, including violence, property destruction, arrests, and interference with federal immigration enforcement.

CASA Director James Fitzpatrick stated in the complaint that People’s Forum serves as a fiscal sponsor for radical organizations and has coordinated nationwide protests that cross into unlawful territory. The filing cites specific examples, including support for the Venceremos Brigade, which organizes demonstrations frequently resulting in clashes with law enforcement. It further claims the group has backed pro-Palestine encampments and actions under campaigns such as “Shut It Down for Palestine,” as well as anti-ICE protests and events aligned with slogans including “#HandsOffIran” and “#LetCubaLive.”

The complaint argues these activities may constitute violations of federal statutes, including 18 U.S. Code § 2101, which prohibits inciting, organizing, or promoting riots across state lines, and the Hobbs Act regarding interference with interstate commerce. It also references New York state law on inciting to riot. CASA contends that by providing financial and logistical support for such events, People’s Forum increases burdens on law enforcement and may disqualify itself from tax-exempt status. The group requests a full IRS review to determine whether revocation of charitable status is warranted.

People’s Forum has received significant funding from Neville Roy Singham, a U.S.-born technology entrepreneur who resides in Shanghai, China, and maintains documented ideological and financial ties to the Chinese Communist Party. Public records and reporting indicate Singham and his wife, Jodie Evans (co-founder of Code Pink), have directed over $20 million to the organization between 2017 and 2022 through shell companies and donor-advised funds. People’s Forum has publicly acknowledged Singham as a supporter, describing him in past statements as a “Marxist comrade.” Singham has denied receiving direct funding from the Chinese government.

The complaint builds on prior congressional scrutiny. Sen. Chuck Grassley has raised concerns about potential Foreign Agents Registration Act violations involving People’s Forum and related entities tied to Singham, prompting requests for FBI investigation. The House Ways and Means Committee has also pursued oversight, issuing letters demanding information on funding sources and fiscal sponsorships from People’s Forum and affiliated groups such as BreakThrough News and Tricontinental. Committee Chairman Jason Smith has highlighted risks of foreign influence in the U.S. tax-exempt sector.

Under IRS rules, 501(c)(3) organizations must operate exclusively for exempt purposes and cannot engage in illegal activities or substantial political intervention. Violations can result in revocation of tax-exempt status, loss of deductibility for donors, and potential excise taxes. CASA’s filing emphasizes that People’s Forum’s role in supporting events that lead to arrests and violence against officers raises questions about compliance with these standards.

The People’s Forum describes itself as a political and cultural hub focused on education, internationalism, and progressive causes. It has organized or sponsored events opposing U.S. immigration enforcement, Israel’s actions in Gaza, and policies toward countries including Iran, Venezuela, and Cuba. Critics, including CASA and congressional investigators, contend these activities align with narratives promoted by foreign actors seeking to undermine U.S. interests.

The IRS has not publicly confirmed receipt or initiation of an investigation in response to the complaint. Whistleblower submissions to the IRS are protected, and the agency evaluates such filings for potential enforcement action. If substantiated, findings could affect not only People’s Forum but also the tax treatment of organizations it sponsors.

The complaint reflects growing attention to the intersection of nonprofit funding, foreign influence, and domestic activism. Congressional oversight has identified networks involving Singham that channel resources to groups participating in protests across multiple issues. Proponents of stricter enforcement argue that tax-exempt privileges should not subsidize activities that violate laws or advance foreign agendas.

People’s Forum and Singham have not issued a direct response to the CASA filing as of the complaint’s submission date. Prior statements from the organization have defended its work as protected speech and advocacy. Singham has characterized his philanthropy as supporting anti-imperialist and socialist causes without direct state direction from China.

The IRS maintains authority to examine tax-exempt organizations for compliance with federal tax law. Revocation proceedings, if pursued, would follow established administrative processes, including opportunities for the organization to respond. The outcome of any review could influence broader debates over nonprofit accountability and foreign funding transparency in U.S. civic institutions.