American billionaire investor Wesley Edens was allegedly targeted in a blackmail scheme involving threats to release intimate videos and photographs, according to United States federal prosecutors.
Edens, who co-founded Fortress Investment Group and also co-owns the Milwaukee Bucks, was identified as the alleged victim in a federal case involving a woman named Changli Luo, also known as Sophia Luo.
Prosecutors alleged that Luo met Edens in 2023, had an affair with him during which she allegedly recorded their intimate sessions.
The lady later allegedly threatened to publicly release videos and images showing both of them engaged in intimate activities.
Authorities claimed the threats continued for months, with Luo allegedly contacting members of Edens’ family and threatening to approach his business associates and investors.
According to prosecutors, the alleged blackmail attempt involved demands exceeding $1 billion.
Luo was indicted last year on charges bordering on blackmail and destruction of records, although court filings initially did not publicly identify Edens as the alleged victim.
A spokesperson for Edens later confirmed to the Wall Street Journal that he was “Victim-1” in the case.
The spokesperson said the billionaire reported the matter to law enforcement due to fears for his safety and that of his family.
Meanwhile, Luo’s legal team has denied the allegations and asked the court to dismiss the charges, arguing that the encounter between both parties was “inappropriate and aggressive” and insisting she was seeking justice and compensation rather than attempting extortion.
Edens is expected to testify when the trial begins later this year.
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