Accused getaway driver in Queens murder lived luxe way of life
The accused getaway driver in the execution-type murder of a Queens businessman is a self-proclaimed “bad boy billionaire” whom feds say moves huge amounts of weed and is as well dangerous to be out on bail.
Zhe Zhang, 34, was arrested final 7 days at his 5,000-square-foot Los Angeles County estate in a gated neighborhood for his suspected purpose in the murder of Xin Gu, 31, who was gunned down though leaving a karaoke bar on Feb. 12, 2019.
A California justice of the peace decide opted to launch Zhang on $1.55 million bond, prompting federal prosecutors to appeal that ruling and reveal new allegations about the flamboyant businessman.
“He is a hazard to the community and victims/witnesses in this situation,” wrote Brooklyn Assistant U.S. Lawyer Devon Lash in court papers submitted Friday.
Zhang — who refers to himself as “Bad boy billionaire” in his Instagram bio — was leasing the opulent assets in Arcadia, Calif., for $9,000 for each thirty day period, prosecutors stated. The Spanish Colonial home in the Anoakia Gated Neighborhood characteristics a winding driveway, a pool, a jacuzzi, 6 bedrooms, a residence health and fitness center and is worth extra than $5 million, in accordance to a authentic estate listing.
When federal agents showed up to cuff Zhang, they also observed a Mercedes Benz G-Class, a purple Rolls Royce Cullinan and a Porsche 911 Carrera parked out front.
Guiding the gate and fancy façade, Zhang allegedly applied industrial packing machines to bundle and promote additional than 30 lbs of marijuana. Prosecutors said Zhang also experienced 14 burner telephones at the residence.
“Zhang is included in the sale of big quantities of managed substances,” Lash wrote in courtroom papers.
Prosecutors claimed that Zhang’s accessibility to income makes him a danger of flight. He earns $10,000 for every month, 50 percent of which comes from a logistics organization, prosecutors say. The other half comes from his mother and father. The feds say he also earns “several thousand a month” from a stake in a Philadelphia restaurant.
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Zhang owns an condominium on the 19th ground of a Chinatown constructing on the East River, which he set up to secure his launch on bond.
He’s accused of actively playing a key function in the killing of Gu.
The victim’s former manager, Qing Ming Yu, 54, purchased the murder as revenge for Gu leaving his serious estate renovation company to strike out on his own, according to a complaint. The ultimate straw arrived in 2018 when Gu’s new firm won a $1 million offer that Yu experienced also sought, in accordance to the feds.
Yu allegedly hired his nephew You You, 34, to have out the murder. You introduced in Zhang, who assisted recruit triggerman Antony Abreu, 34, in accordance to the criticism.
Abreu and Zhang lay in hold out for Gu to exit the karaoke bar and Abreu shot him numerous occasions ahead of hopping again into the 2003 Honda Accord driven by Zhang, prosecutors said.
A hearing to ascertain whether or not Zhang really should be produced on bail is set for Thursday. He’s accused of murder for seek the services of and conspiracy.
Zhang’s legal professional, Joel Cohen, declined to remark.