King Of War: Starting with Arms Dealer

Chapter 336 Witness Protection Program

Originally, Joe Ga was just joking, but to his surprise, Alicia actually nodded seriously and said, "There will be a fundraising gala for the party the day after tomorrow. You probably won't have time to attend, but you can give me a check, and I will donate it to the party's fund on your behalf."

Joe hadn't expected to be taken seriously just for making a witty remark, and this demand hit him hard. A six-figure sum was probably the least Alicia would settle for, and with any less, those big shots probably wouldn't even remember his name.

Under Alicia's beaming gaze, he signed a check for 200,000 dollars. Joe finally said with a hint of amusement, "Does this make me one of us?

I've spent a fortune, so if I ever run into any trouble, you guys have got to help me out."

Joe's words were unreserved, but Alicia, surprisingly, wasn't put off. On the contrary, she quite liked Joe's demeanor. This young man knew exactly what to say to whom, and in what setting...

Before Jemma's trip to Central Africa was over, the relationship between the Alexander family and P·B would remain closely interconnected.

The 'closeness' Joe exhibited actually made her feel more comfortable and at ease.

After folding Joe's check, the sophisticated Alicia rolled her eyes, then whispered, "If you could mess up Jemma and TC's engagement..."

Joe pretended he hadn't heard her clearly and embraced Alicia, saying earnestly, "Don't worry, Jemma will be absolutely safe on my turf. If TC dares to harm her in any way, I'll have people take turns beating him up."

Alicia, looking at Joe pretending to be dumb, shook her head with a chuckle and said, "Come with me, let's go talk to Minister Dachi.

This time the FBI has lost the 'Witness Protection Program' files, and the Department of Justice has a lot to take care of. They've dispatched all their marshals, but it's still not enough manpower...

There are some things you should volunteer to help with."

As Joe followed Alicia towards Minister Dachi, he asked, "What can I possibly help with?"

This time Alicia didn't speak, but instead, they were intercepted by Michael Beach, who was waiting halfway. He said, "DEA currently has hundreds of unadjudicated drug cases, with several dozen key witnesses under the 'Witness Protection Program'.

You know how ruthless drug traffickers can be. Once they find out the witnesses' locations, they will stop at nothing to kill them."

Joe frowned upon hearing this and said, "You want me to protect them? But I've got other things to do, and where do I have the manpower?"

Michael Beach, gripping Joe's arm, said in a low voice, "Right now, the FBI is in turmoil; they can't spare the manpower, and the federal marshals are overwhelmed. Our DEA agents are already few and far between...

Minister Dachi's idea is to look for responsible security companies to assist, so I recommended your company.

Buddy, this is a great opportunity to establish a solid relationship with the Department of Justice.

The 'Witness Protection Program' is a long-term strategy. Although there are issues now, it will continue in the future.

The federal government allocates 150 million dollars each year to the program, just to help those courageous enough to stand up and testify against criminals start their lives anew.

Buddy, the witness protection program involves many departments and is highly confidential. They need new identities, new addresses, everything new...

The standard set by the Department of Justice is 120,000 dollars..."

Listening, Joe remarked with emotion, "This is hiring witnesses for court appearances! If it were a few years ago, you give me 120,000, and I'd dare to give false testimony in court and screw those bastard drug traffickers."

Michael Beach shook his head and said, "That 120,000 isn't for the witnesses themselves. It's to help them settle into their new lives and also cover the expenses of the Department of Justice.

The Department will provide them with new documents, pay their rent for six months, cover three months of basic living expenses, and the majority of what remains gets squandered by the marshals for various reasons.

All you need to do is settle these people well and set up a hotline to regularly check on them, and you could make 60 to 80 thousand dollars per person.

You have just a temporary cooperation with DEA, but once you take on this job, you become a confidential contractor for the Department of Justice. Isn't this worth some effort on your part?"

Joe nodded after listening and said, "It's worth it, but I'll need to hire more manpower before I can start. What exactly is the situation now?"

Michael Beach replied with a gloomy expression, "The Department of Justice is currently assessing witness risk, while arranging for those witnesses likely to be retaliated against to be moved.

Right now, DEA is responsible for the protection of untried witnesses in the two heavy-hit areas of Texas and California. Pick a state.

Hu Lang, DEA's funds aren't sufficient right now, I'll give you 20,000 dollars per witness, and you're responsible for protecting them until they testify in court. After they enter the formal 'Witness Protection Program,' you'll be able to make your money back."

Joe looked at Michael Beach incredulously and said, "Based on what I know about the efficiency of your courts, a serious case could be dragged out for three to five months or even a year...

20,000 dollars!!

I'm supposed to protect them continuously until I deliver them to court. Tell me, how am I supposed to make the money back from the 'Witness Protection Program' funds?"

Michael Beach smiled awkwardly and said, "Hu Lang, the 'Witness Protection Program' and protecting untried witnesses are two different matters.

The leak of the FBI files included the locations of all our safe houses, which is why we are in such a reactive position."

"Just this once, help me out..."

As he spoke, Michael Beach looked at Joe Ga's smile that was not quite a smile and sighed before saying, "Alright, let's do this...

Suppose, just suppose, if traffickers attack a witness, I can authorize P·B to strike back at the traffickers. I don't have the funds, but I can increase the bounty from 20% of the captures to 30%.

The only requirement is that during the operation, there has to be a DEA agent present to 'advise,' and the scene must not be too messy!!"

Upon hearing this, Joe Ga enthusiastically wrapped his arm around Michael Beach's shoulder and said with a smile, "Most of those witnesses hated by the traffickers are snitches, right? They must know a lot about the traffickers, correct?"

Michael Beach was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "Indeed, though we've already sifted through what they know...

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Hey, don't be disappointed. If someone attacks a witness, that means there are still people and places we haven't hit yet.

If you're brave enough, you can follow the trail to Mexico, where I'm sure you'd find a big payoff."

Joe Ga looked at Michael, who was egging him on to go to Mexico to battle the traffickers, and resolutely shook his head, "That place requires an aircraft carrier fleet, a small company like P·B shouldn't get into those muddy waters."

After hearing this, Michael Beach said with a touch of disappointment, "Really not considering it? Mexico is too dangerous; you could consider Colombia or Peru.

Our agents are having a tough time making progress in these two places—they really need someone like you to help."

Joe Ga looked at Michael Beach's plump face for a few seconds, then confirmed that this guy probably wasn't trying to screw him over but instead was looking to earn accolades.

After hesitating a bit, Joe Ga suddenly said with a smile, "An occasional visit is fine, but it's out of the question for me to stay long-term to help.

However, there's cooperation between the DEA and the International Narcotics Control Board. Are you interested in going to Africa?

In the past, I burned all the captured drugs, but if you go, I can leave them for you to take pictures."

Upon hearing this, Michael Beach hissed, then struggled for a long time before saying with difficulty, "Actually, the East Africa line... well, I can occasionally travel to your place on business and maybe happen to catch it, right?"

As he said this, Michael Beach glanced at Joe Ga's disgusted expression, then pulled Joe Ga aside and whispered, "The DEA director will retire next year, I can't be away for too long.

However, I can promise you that I'll be able to secure some funds and assistance for you from the International Narcotics Control Board."

Joe Ga looked at Michael Beach's hopeful face, then flashed a grin and shook hands with him, "Then it's a deal. I'll notify you when I have a major operation; you can bring the media to take pictures and get some publicity, and it'll also help promote the philosophy of P·B and the changes in Southern Central Africa."

As he spoke, Joe Ga moved closer, whispering, "Alicia's daughter is doing charity work in Central Africa; they need continuous exposure, you know what I mean..."

Michael Beach immediately realized Joe Ga was inviting him aboard. Achieving recognition in Africa would be icing on the cake for his career, but getting on Alicia's good side was something different altogether.

It didn't matter much whether Alicia would become a senior official in the Department of Justice; the main thing was that Alicia had many friends within the Republican Party, a circle of friends that Michael Beach had never had access to before.

Joe Ga now thoroughly understood the benefits of nurturing relationships. The drugs he burned were gone, but letting people take pictures in exchange for rewards did him no harm; even ending up with a favor was a gain.

But if he could use this channel to fully leverage the media to boost Jemma's charity project...

Once Jemma managed to stand on her own two feet and make a big impact in Central Africa, her chances of becoming a department head in the United Nations were almost certain; then, transitioning from exporting to domestic sales back in America, not to mention becoming a diplomat or ambassador, would be effortless.

What a massive favor!

If everything went smoothly, this would be more than just a win-win or a multi-win situation; it would be a victory for everyone, with Joe Ga at the core raking it in.

Having reached an agreement, Joe Ga said with a smile, "In that case, I certainly won't refuse to help. I can do without the commission, but you can't expect to give nothing in return. Bring me a few luxury cars. The ones I bought myself don't really pass muster anymore.

Don't reject me; I know your customs have seized many luxury cars. 'Borrowing' a few nice cars for me to show off is no big deal.

If you agree, P·B can take care of witness protection in Los Angeles.

You get people to gather them, and I'll take care of finding places to house them.

Once I deal with 'Shadow Messenger,' I can dedicate myself to ensuring those witnesses safely make it to court.

In the meantime, I'll immediately expand the company's staff and then try to take over the 'Witness Protection Program'."

Upon hearing this, Michael Beach took a furtive glance at Minister Dachi not far away, then whispered, "I have a nephew who used to be a federal marshal; he's quite familiar with the process..."

As soon as Joe Ga heard this, he decisively said, "Let him come. If he proves his competence, I'll provide him ample salary and respect.

But you know me, I'm a blunt person..."

Michael Beach nodded firmly and said, "Don't worry; my nephew is a sharp guy, a good person. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!"