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Politics Mar 13, 2024
Raymond Chan. | Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety
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Raymond Chan, the former deputy mayor of Los Angeles, is in the spotlight once more as he faces a second trial on charges implicating him in a broad racketeering scheme involving ex-City Councilman José Huizar.
Chan is accused of facilitating illegal activities by developers that allegedly included bribing city officials for favorable treatment related to building projects. He is charged with racketeering conspiracy, aiding and abetting bribery and telling lies to the FBI.
During the renewed trial, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Faerstein presented the government’s case, laying out the dynamic of a “get money, keep power, avoid the feds” operation.
The prosecution depicts Chan as the connective tissue between Chinese developers and Huizar, alleging that contributions to Chan’s consulting business, which was secretly established with George Chiang while still serving at City Hall, were exchanges for his influence in streamlining the city’s approval process.
Chan’s defense attorney John Hanusz challenged that narrative, claiming the city’s resurgence would not have been possible without Chan’s dedication to cutting bureaucratic red tape. The defense is grounded in what it claims is Chan’s unyielding commitment to the city’s growth and advancement.
The trial has brought forward salacious details — including Huizar’s Las Vegas adventures subsidized by billionaire Wei Huang that include gambling and interactions with prostitutes — details that U.S. District Judge John Walter deemed relevant to illustrate the lavish lifestyle funded by the alleged bribery. Although Chan did not participate in these specific indulgences, his knowledge of the dealings between Huizar and Huang is under scrutiny.
In addition to Huang, Fuer Yuan of Jia Yuan USA Co., also known as Hazens, is another developer who received mention in the case for the alleged bribes that secured the advancement of a significant project in downtown LA. According to the prosecution, Chan benefited from consulting fees paid to his business partner Chiang, who has admitted guilt and will testify against Chan. This retrial follows a mistrial last year due to a defense attorney’s serious illness.
As reported by Courthouse News Service and KNX News
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