Robert Tucker, the newly appointed FDNY Commissioner, is facing a storm of criticism as his ties to China come under intense scrutiny. Tucker’s previous role as head of T&M USA LLC, a private security firm, has linked him to Chinese billionaire Miles Guo, convicted on charges of fraud, racketeering, and money laundering. Guo, who admitted to working for Chinese intelligence, had hired Tucker’s firm to install security cameras in his Manhattan apartment.
Tucker’s connection to Guo has raised concerns about his involvement with foreign actors. Photos surfaced showing Tucker and Duncan Levin, T&M’s vice president, posing with Guo in his apartment. Although T&M has since distanced itself from Guo, Tucker’s past interactions with him have led to questions about his suitability as FDNY Commissioner.
Adding to the concern is Tucker’s connection to Lin Gui’an, a former NYPD official linked to the Chinese Communist Party. Lin’s resume was sent to NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban in an email from a T&M assistant, and it was later revealed that Lin had worked at an elite golf course owned by Tucker.
Tucker’s appointment comes amid a broader federal investigation into corruption in New York City. Two former FDNY chiefs, Brian Cordasco and Anthony Saccavino, were recently indicted for accepting bribes in exchange for expediting projects. NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban resigned after federal investigators seized his and his brother’s cell phones as part of a separate probe into corruption.
Tucker’s connections to China and the mounting corruption scandals within New York City’s leadership are fueling distrust. As federal investigators continue their work, many are questioning whether Tucker’s ties to foreign actors could signal deeper issues within the city’s leadership.
