Chinese Woman Indicted on Blackmail Charges After Sexual Encounter with Billionaire Wesley Edens
Wesley Edens, co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, reported Changli Sophia Luo to authorities after she allegedly threatened to release explicit material unless he paid more than $1 billion. Luo, who met Edens after a 2022 LinkedIn exchange that led to a sexual encounter in June 2023, faces four charges including blackmail.
nypost.comChangli Sophia Luo was indicted for allegedly trying to extract over $1 billion from Wesley Edens by threatening to release explicit images and videos. Edens, a billionaire investor and co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, is identified as “Victim-1” in the case. He reported the matter to authorities over safety concerns and is expected to testify.
The two first connected when Wesley Edens replied to a 2022 LinkedIn message from Changli Sophia Luo, a China-born founder of a small Manhattan nonprofit that produced interview videos. Their exchanges turned personal. They met at her apartment and had sex in June 2023.
Edens did not reply to Luo’s love declaration message. Months later her tone shifted. Luo contacted Edens’s then-girlfriend (now wife) and his ex-wife. She claimed the encounter was nonconsensual due to mental incapacity.
Seeking to stop further contact and avoid publicity, Edens agreed to mediation. 5 million settlement was reached with $1 million upfront. 215 billion.
Luo hired attorney Tyrone Blackburn. She allegedly escalated threats, including releasing images and “destroying” Edens.
U.S. Attorney’s office. In May the FBI searched Luo’s apartment and found hidden phones including one containing manipulated explicit material featuring Edens. Changli Sophia Luo was arrested on June 14 at JFK Airport while attempting to fly to China.
She faces four charges including blackmail and evidence destruction. Luo has pleaded not guilty. She was released on $500,000 bond. Luo’s attorneys argue she sought accountability for what they describe as an inappropriate and aggressive sexual encounter.
