A shocking revelation has rocked the recent New York State Assembly race: Yin Dao, a 62-year-old Queens resident and Chinese national, has been charged with wire fraud for allegedly embezzling over $162,000 in taxpayer funds to fuel his 2024 campaign.

Federal prosecutors unsealed a complaint on June 13th, detailing Dao’s alleged scheme to defraud the state’s public campaign matching funds program. The complaint alleges Dao used lies and deception to obtain the funds, diverting them to his campaign for Assembly District 40.

Despite the alleged fraud, Dao secured 5.9% of the vote (185 ballots) in the June 25th Democratic primary, finishing third in the race. This outcome raises serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process and the impact of campaign finance irregularities.

Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, strongly condemned Dao’s actions in a statement, highlighting the alleged theft of taxpayer money intended for fair and transparent elections. The investigation and subsequent charges underscore the ongoing battle against campaign finance abuse and the importance of safeguarding public funds.

Dao’s case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of manipulating campaign finance systems. The full extent of the alleged fraud and its impact on the election remain under investigation.