Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Hotel Developer Charged with $122M COVID-19 Fraud Scheme

2/14/2025

44 10

Summary

Story summary

Weihong Hu, a hotel developer linked to New York Mayor Eric Adams, is in hot water with federal charges for allegedly swindling over $122 million from a COVID-19 housing program. Alongside co-defendants Julio Medina and Christopher Dantzler, she stands accused of exploiting the pandemic through bribery and kickbacks, betraying the very purpose of the funds meant to support inmates.

History

Historical Context

Weihong Hu, linked to NYC Mayor Eric Adams, faces federal charges for allegedly defrauding over $122 million from a COVID-19 housing program. This mirrors past financial misconduct during government relief efforts, such as the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) after the 2008 financial crisis, where inadequate oversight led to widespread fraud and abuse, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in disaster relief funding.

1 of 2

Story summary

Weihong Hu, a hotel developer linked to New York Mayor Eric Adams, is in hot water with federal charges for allegedly swindling over $122 million from a COVID-19 housing program. Alongside co-defendants Julio Medina and Christopher Dantzler, she stands accused of exploiting the pandemic through bribery and kickbacks, betraying the very purpose of the funds meant to support inmates.

1 / 2