United States prosecutors say billionaire investor Wesley Edens was allegedly targeted in a blackmail scheme involving threats to release intimate videos and photographs.
Edens, co-founder of Fortress Investment Group and co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, was identified as the alleged victim in a federal criminal case involving Changli Luo, also known as Sophia Luo.
Prosecutors alleged that Luo met Edens in 2023 before later threatening to publicly release videos and images allegedly showing the pair engaged in intimate acts.
According to court filings, Luo allegedly continued making threats for several months and at one point contacted members of Edens’ family while also threatening to reach out to his business associates and investors.
Federal prosecutors said the alleged extortion attempt involved demands exceeding one billion dollars.
Luo was indicted last year on charges of blackmail and destruction of records, although initial court documents did not publicly identify Edens as the alleged victim.
A spokesperson for Edens later confirmed to media reports that he was “Victim-1” in the case.
The spokesperson said Edens reported the matter to law enforcement authorities due to concerns for his personal safety and that of his family.
“Mr. Edens will be making no comment on the case as the indictment speaks for itself with respect to the charges against the defendant,” the spokesperson said.
Edens is expected to testify during Luo’s trial scheduled for later this year.
Reports said Luo was released on a 500,000-dollar bond and is currently under house arrest pending trial.
Her legal team has reportedly asked the court to dismiss the charges, arguing that her encounter with Edens was inappropriate and that her actions were aimed at seeking justice and compensation rather than extortion.
