Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier (R) has issued subpoenas to multiple companies involved in the sale of Chinese-manufactured medical devices that allegedly contain hidden “backdoors” capable of transmitting sensitive patient data to a Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-linked institution — without patient knowledge or consent.
The investigation, spearheaded by Uthmeier’s office, revolves around patient monitoring devices made by Contec, a company originally founded in South Carolina in 1988 but relocated to China in 2006, and its American reseller Epsimed, based in Miami. State officials are pursuing potential violations of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA) and raising alarms about serious cybersecurity and national security threats.
While no confirmed data breaches had been reported at the time of the FDA’s notice, the devices were found to be potentially capable of transmitting data to external IP addresses, including one registered to a Chinese university under CCP oversight.
In a statement released by Uthmeier’s office, officials revealed that the devices’ software could allow bad actors to remotely manipulate data or exfiltrate personal health information. Investigators say the data could be sent automatically to Chinese-controlled servers without the knowledge of patients or healthcare providers.
“Medical devices that record patient data must be secure and should not send data to entities controlled by the Chinese Communist Party,” said Uthmeier. “Protecting Americans’ sensitive, personal data from our enemies is paramount, and my office will get to the bottom of this deception.”
According to the subpoenas and public records, Contec and Epsimed are accused of making multiple misleading or false claims about their products:
- Claiming FDA approval for monitors that were not approved;
- Advertising compliance with international standards (FDA, CE, ISO) that the devices failed to meet due to security flaws;
- Misrepresenting product quality and safety while concealing the existence of surveillance mechanisms;
- Rebranding and reselling Chinese devices under a false pretense of American manufacturing credibility;
- Failing to disclose material facts about the risk posed to patients and health providers.
If proven true, these practices could constitute not only deceptive trade but a serious breach of medical privacy and data security laws.
Michael Lucci, founder of State Armor, a national security policy group focused on countering CCP influence, praised Uthmeier’s action as both timely and necessary.
Lucci cited a broader pattern that includes controversial apps like TikTok, Chinese e-commerce platforms like Temu, and now medical devices from companies like Contec. “From TikTok, to Temu, to Contec and Epsimed, the CCP will stop at nothing to steal every bit of Americans’ personal data for malicious purposes.”
The Florida probe is one of the first state-level investigations targeting potential CCP-linked digital surveillance within the U.S. medical system. While the federal government has increasingly scrutinized Chinese technology, Uthmeier’s aggressive use of state consumer protection laws represents a new legal front.
If the investigation finds violations, Contec and Epsimed could face civil penalties, bans on sales, and possible criminal referrals. Uthmeier has also hinted at broader legislative action in Florida to address foreign tech infiltration in healthcare and other critical infrastructure.
This case could have major ripple effects for the medical device industry, especially as hospitals and clinics increasingly rely on internet-connected tools for patient monitoring and care.
It also underscores the importance of supply chain scrutiny — particularly when products originate from or are processed in adversarial nations.
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The Chicom have been caught slipping potential spy devices in many products, including solar.power panels and smart thermostats and other household devices. And then there’s SlikTok. FACT.