Home » Ex–NYC Official Tommy Lin Faces Sentencing in $10M Fraud

Ex–NYC Official Tommy Lin Faces Sentencing in $10M Fraud

Community pleas for leniency as federal prosecutors push for prison

by Amelia Crawford

Former City Hall Official Tommy Lin Faces Sentencing in $10 Million Fraud Case

Tommy Lin, a former senior official in New York City government, is set to be sentenced this Thursday for his involvement in a federal fraud scheme that defrauded multiple financial institutions of at least $10 million. Leading up to the hearing, several Chinese American community leaders have submitted letters urging the court to show leniency, highlighting Lin’s extensive public service and community involvement.

Lin, 44, was arrested in June 2024 for his role in a conspiracy that used false claims to obtain fraudulent bank reimbursements. In March, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to convert government records and property. Prosecutors say Lin exploited his connections within law enforcement and government databases to aid the scheme. He faces charges including bank fraud conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft.

Lin’s attorney has presented letters from supporters, including community leaders and Lin’s parents, emphasizing his commitment to civic engagement. Lin served as director of community affairs under former Mayor Bill de Blasio from 2014 to 2019 and advised the NYPD’s Asian Advisory Council. Prior to his arrest, he worked as a Queens community coordinator at the Department of Environmental Protection.

Beginning his political career in the early 2000s, Lin worked with then–Public Advocates Betsy Gotbaum and Bill de Blasio and played a key role in de Blasio’s mayoral campaign. As an immigrant from Taiwan, Lin was one of the few Chinese Americans to reach a senior City Hall position. His arrest shocked the community where he was regarded as a vital bridge between immigrant neighborhoods and city institutions.

Court documents reveal that Lin and co-defendants used identities of temporary immigrants to open bank accounts. They then moved funds between accounts they controlled and filed false claims for refunds. Lin allegedly accepted a $20,000 bribe to arrange the arrest of a disgruntled co-conspirator by using his ties to an ICE officer. He also provided personal data and conducted background checks to protect the fraud ring.

Lin’s defense requests a non-custodial sentence with community service, citing his lifelong struggle with cerebral palsy, social isolation, and a limited role. His lawyers contend that Lin exaggerated his government connections to gain favor and that some data shared was publicly available.

Supporters like Wellington Chen, executive director of the Chinatown Partnership, state they have never witnessed Lin engage in serious misconduct. Lin was honored with a civil service award in 2019. Kennith Chiu, vice president of Asian American Communities Empowerment, praised Lin’s volunteer efforts supporting families in crisis.

However, federal prosecutors argue Lin was motivated by greed and seek a minimum 36-month prison term. They highlight Lin’s stable upbringing, education, and city employment as opportunities he squandered. Prosecutors cite text messages showing Lin demanded payments for his services and bragged about manipulating law enforcement.

Digital evidence contradicted Lin’s defense claims, revealing he transmitted sensitive documents, including driver’s licenses and Social Security cards. Investigators also uncovered Lin’s side business, referring undocumented immigrants to an attorney for fees, exposing vulnerable individuals to exploitation.

Lin’s sentencing is scheduled for June 12 in Manhattan federal court.

You may also like

Leave a Comment

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Privacy & Cookies Policy

Adblock Detected

Please support us by disabling your AdBlocker extension from your browsers for our website.