they re essentially a pro-prc propaganda operation. reporter: this week a report alleging a pr firm that says its content partners include chinese state media had hired unwitting americans to organize a protest in washington, d.c. for a long time they were essentially a troll factory. but they have really escalated their tactics. they were able the get roving protests to happen and ended up in front of the white house. this is a really aggressive tactic. reporter: the aim of the firm, according to holquist is to spread pro-china propaganda and stoke division in the u.s. we did a demonstration that dealt directly wi ly black live matter and pro-choice. reporter: a 24-year-old from baltimore told cnn he was hired through the popular freelancing website upwork. it felt like no different