Former employee attempts extortion of COVID testing tycoon in Nevada

A former employee of a COVID testing company, Sunny Sun, along with two accomplices, is facing trial for allegedly attempting to extort $20 million from Charles Huang, the founder of Innova Medical Group. The extortion scheme involved threats to release intimate videos of Huang, which he claimed could damage his reputation and personal life. Huang testified that he met with one of the alleged extortionists, who demanded $200 million to prevent the release of the videos. He expressed concern that the public exposure could ruin his family and business relationships. In response to the threats, Huang took proactive measures by hiring legal counsel and a private investigator, while also recording conversations with the defendants. The situation escalated when Sun's husband was arrested after seeking her out at Huang's residence. The defendants have pleaded not guilty, with Sun's attorney arguing that no extortion occurred, but rather a misguided attempt to negotiate a settlement regarding Sun's claims against Huang. During the court proceedings, Huang acknowledged having had a sexual relationship with another executive, which was part of the context for the alleged extortion. The prosecution maintained that the threat to expose a secret met the legal definition of extortion. Huang's legal team has also filed a cross-complaint against the defendants, further complicating the case. This legal battle unfolds amid ongoing civil litigation between Huang and his former partners at Innova Medical Group, which has been embroiled in controversy following its significant profits from COVID testing during the pandemic. The trial is expected to take place next year, with significant implications for all parties involved.