A real estate developer, accused of bribing the former chief of staff to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, has also been tied to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) through interactions with its officials for several years, according to a report from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Andy Zhu, the founder of East Times Group, a New York-based real estate company, was arrested along with three others, including Adams’ former chief of staff Frank Carone. They were indicted in June on charges of fraud and money laundering. Between October 2022 and September 2023, Zhu allegedly paid $120,000 in bribes to Carone and his brother to influence the New York City Department of Social Services to grant Zhu a $6.825 million contract for turning a Long Island City hotel into an emergency shelter for immigrant asylum seekers.
All defendants have pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors noted Zhu’s Chinese nationality and his extensive foreign connections, which contributed to setting his bail at $8 million, as reported by the New York Post.
Investigations revealed that Zhu’s links include multiple roles within Chinese government agencies, specifically within the United Front Work Department (UFWD) that aims to guide foreign policy and enhance the CCP’s influence abroad. Reports suggest that this agency also seeks advanced foreign technologies.
Efforts to contact Zhu and East Times Group have been unfruitful, and Zhu’s attorney did not respond to inquiries for comments.
Dr. Yang Limeng, a virologist critical of the CCP, commented that the United Front’s initiatives are not merely political but part of a long-term strategy developed by the Central Committee of the CCP aimed at building networks with influential figures around the world. This includes engaging overseas Chinese communities and fostering connections with governments, businesses, and other institutions.
With regard to Zhu, it’s important to note his frequent interactions with the ACFROC, including attending dinners welcoming delegates from the organization. His involvement suggests a commitment to the CCP’s broader objectives, as ACFROC is known to leverage relationships to exert influence and facilitate intelligence operations.
At one point, Zhu attended events where he was photographed alongside high-ranking officials, showing his integration into these networks. Last year, it was reported that he allegedly bribed officials to secure a specific contract in New York.
Furthermore, Zhu has met with Chinese officials in both the U.S. and China, participating in celebrations and dinners linked to significant anniversaries, further emphasizing his connectedness with the Chinese government.
Overall, these revelations paint a complex picture surrounding Zhu’s actions and relationships, raising questions about international influence and the intertwining of local governmental authority with foreign interests.
