September 17, 1997. (Ex. 1).

1

However, the Committee developed documentary and circumstantial evidence as to the answers

to the aforementioned questions. That evidence is discussed below.

In many senses, the story of Ted Sioeng is a microcosm of the Committee’s investigation.

Sioeng is a wealthy Belize citizen in his early fifties who, prior to the campaign finance scandal,

spent brief periods in the United States. Sioeng controls a multinational business empire that

appears to generate substantial income, though not much of it within this country. Sioeng has ties

to the Government of China, but their full extent is unknown. Despite making modest political

contributions in 1992, 1993, and 1994 in this country, Sioeng became a major player in 1995

through a series of large contributions made by him, his family, and his business interests to a

2

Committee has learned of Sioeng’s connections to other key figures in its investigation, including

Maria Hsia and John Huang, as well as his attendance at several DNC fund-raisers. In the year

leading up to the 1996 elections, Sioeng attended four major DNC fund-raisers, each of which

Huang had a hand in organizing. To each event, Sioeng brought family members and/or business

associates.

Sioeng attended the February 19, 1996 Asian Pacific American Leadership Council fundraiser

at the Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington, D.C. This was the first major DNC event

organized by Huang. On April 29, 1996, Sioeng attended a fund-raising luncheon at the Hsi Lai

Buddhist Temple in Los Angeles, California, where he sat next to Vice President Gore. On

May 13, 1996, Sioeng attended a dinner for President Clinton at the Sheraton Carlton in

Washington, D.C. where, again, he was seated at the head table. Two months later, on

July 22, 1996, Sioeng and 48 friends and/or business associates attended a DNC fund-raiser for

President Clinton at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. At dinner, Sioeng sat to President

Clinton’s immediate right. To the President’s left was James Riady and his wife Aileen.

3

works, on behalf of the Chinese government. Sioeng regularly communicated with PRC embassy

and consular officials at various locations in the United States, and, before the campaign finance

investigation broke, he traveled to Beijing frequently where he reported to and was briefed by

Chinese communist party officials.

The Sioeng story is a microcosm because it is a tale of foreign money and, possibly,

foreign influence. One familiar refrain encountered by the Committee during its efforts to uncover

the Sioeng story was a series of obstacles separating investigators from the truth behind Sioeng’s

4

La’s testimony, but the Minority objected to the subpoena. For months, Sioeng’s attorneys held

out the promise that Sioeng would agree to be interviewed at a location outside the United States.

That promise was not kept.

The balance of this section is divided into two parts. Part II discusses Ted Sioeng, his

family, and his business interests. Only those activities relevant to the Committee’s investigation

are discussed. Part III examines the major political contributions made by Sioeng, his family, and

his business interests during the 1996 election cycle. Through an analysis of bank records

produced to the Committee, an attempt is made to trace the origins of these various contributions.

One conclusion the Committee has drawn is that much of the money contributed by

Sioeng and his family is traceable to foreign sources -- specifically, bank accounts in Hong Kong.

and possibly Yopi. The others have gone to Hong Kong. Parenthetically, the family uses

Elnitiarta, not Sioeng, as its surname. Elnitiarta is the mother’s maiden name.

5

Sioeng/Elnitiarta family speaks Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Bahasa, and some English.

6

Sioeng’s business empire is centered in Asia. Most of the businesses are in greater China,

Macao, and Cambodia. The family has owned or currently owns several businesses in the PRC,

including a beer factory, a rebuilt machinery factory, and a portion of a hotel (in the Yunnan

province). Currently, the family’s main business is a cigarette manufacturing and distribution

operation in Singapore, which is run by Chinois, a partnership between Sioeng, Hong Kong

businessman Bruce Ceung, and several companies. Chinois manufactures and distributes Red

Pagoda Mountain (“Hong Ta Shen”) cigarettes. It holds manufacturing and distribution rights

granted by the PRC government, and is obligated to purchase raw materials for the cigarettes

from a government factory in Yu Xi, located in the Yunnan province.

The Committee staff’s telephone interview with Kent La took place on May 13, 1997. 14

! International Daily News, a Chinese language daily in Los Angeles. The paper is

discussed in more detail in the section that follows;

! Metropolitan Hotel, a hotel and restaurant in Los Angeles;

! Pacific Motel, a modest establishment in the Los Angeles area;

! Panda Estates, a real estate firm that owns Doheny Estates, comprised of luxury rental

townhouses in Beverly Hills. The family purchased Doheny in 1993 in a foreclosure sale,

and completed construction on the townhouses in 1995;

! Panda Industries, an import export business;

! Loh Sun International, a company that distributes Red Pagoda Mountain cigarettes in the

United States. Jessica Elnitiarta told the Committee that the family does not “control”

Loh Sun, but simply does business with it. However, in a brief phone interview conducted

in May 1997, Loh Sun’s president and registered agent, Kent La, indicated that Jessica

Elnitiarta is his supervisor; and 14

! Grand National Bank, located in Alhambra, California. Jessica, Sandra, and Laureen

Elnitiarta are investors in the bank and own approximately 19 percent of its outstanding

stock. Jessica first purchased Grand National Bank stock in 1992 and owns 100,000

shares. Laureen and Sandra each own 45,000 shares, which they purchased in November

1995. It appears that most of the family’s business and personal accounts are held at the

Grand National Bank.

Sioeng provides the working capital for all of his U.S. businesses, which receive regular

cash infusions through transfers of funds from overseas accounts. Jessica told the Committee that

the sources of Sioeng’s funds are his businesses abroad. The cash infusions typically originate in

Hong Kong, where funds are wired to the Grand National Bank account of Sioeng’s sister, Yanti

Ardi. The money is then distributed to various business or family accounts as necessary. Jessica,

who holds power of attorney for Yanti Ardi’s account, controls distribution of the money. Sioeng

regularly provides such funds, although Panda Estates and Metropolitan Hotel have generated a

non-trivial amount of cash flow.

B. International Daily News

In October 1995, Sioeng and his family contracted to purchase the International Daily

News, a Chinese-language newspaper in Los Angeles. They paid between $3 and $4 million for

the paper, making payments over the next several months. The purchase was consummated on

July 1, 1996.

The paper was paid for largely through checks written on one of Yanti Ardi’s accounts at

the Grand National Bank. Between October 1995 and July 1996, some $2,590,000 was

transferred from Ardi’s account to the International Daily News and C. International Publications,

the company that owns the paper itself. Almost all of the purchase money appears to derive from

businesses located in Hong Kong. These businesses, Victory Trading Company, Pristine

Investments Limited, and R T Enterprises Limited, also funded some of the Sioeng family’s

political contributions, as is discussed below.

p. 40.

9

request.

The Committee has learned that the Sioeng family owns the International Daily News

through a series of companies. The newspaper is owned by Chen International Publications

10

5/12/92 Sioeng San Wong A. Yung Hsiang Wu $10,000

6/20/92 Sioeng San Wong Alfred Y. Wu $ 1,500

6/20/92 Sioeng San Wong Yung Hsiang Wu $ 5,000

3/25/93 Jessica Elnitiarta Mike Woo for Mayor $ 1,000

5/27/93 Jessica Elnitiarta Mike Woo for Mayor $ 1,000

6/4/93 Sioeng San Wong Michael Woo for Mayor $ 2,500

9/11/93 Jessica Elnitiarta California Republican Party $ 2,000

1/26/94 Sioeng San Wong Friends to Elect Sam Kiang $ 1,000

Laureen Elnitiarta.

11

John Huang solicited all of the family’s contributions to the DNC. In total, Sieong’s

family and business interests contributed $400,000 to the DNC in 1995 and 1996. Most of this

was given in connection with specific fund-raising events to which Sioeng, his family, and

business associates were invited. These events provided Sioeng an opportunity to impress his

guests and to meet President Clinton or Vice President Gore. The family put great value on such

a business partner, and his wife; Lie Kwee Kei, a Hong Kong business partner; and Bruce

Cueng, the Chinois partner.

12

event. Jessica Elnitiarta paid $100,000 (figured at $12,500 per attendee, in accordance with the

“price” of the event described by Huang in advance) by personal check. Her sister delivered the

check to Huang at the event, making sure of the correct amount with Huang before filling it in.

All eight attendees had their picture taken with President Clinton. Because the family decided to

attend so late, however, they had poor seats for the dinner, a matter that caused Huang to

apologize afterwards. Jessica told the Committee that the source of the contributions was

See discussion below on Jessica’s $100,000 contribution to the DNC of February 19, 23

1996.

Sioeng and wife, Jessica Elnitiarta, Laureen Elnitiarta, and Sioeng Fei Man, general 24

revenue from Panda Estates. By analyzing relevant bank records, the Committee determined that

Jessica’s statement is incorrect, and that the $100,000 came from an account in Hong Kong.23

Huang next contacted Jessica to see if the family would like to attend the April 29, 1996

Hsi Lai Temple fund-raiser. He made it clear that he would “comp” the family’s attendance as a

way to make up for their poor seats at the Hay Adams event in February. Jessica explained that

one of her sisters is Buddhist and was very excited at the prospect of meeting the Venerable

Master of the Temple; for the family, this was of equal importance to meeting Vice President

Gore. Sioeng again flew from the Far East, and the family brought five attendees to the event. 24

C Ted Sioeng;

C Chio Ho Cheong, President, Ang-Du International Corporation

Ltd.;

Letter from Bill Clinton to Ted Sioeng, May 28, 1996. (Ex. 5). 26

Id. Note that Sioeng is not a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States and, 27

C Guo Zhong Jian, Deputy General Manager, China Construction

Bank, Hong Kong Branch;

C Lin Fu Qiang, Managing Director, Everbrite Asia Limited, Hong

Kong;

C Chan Elsie Y.Z., Managing Director, Ang-Du International

Corporation Ltd.;

C Kent La, President, Loh Sun International; and

C He Jian Shan.25

It appears Sioeng met and spoke to President Clinton at the Sheraton Carlton event. By

letter dated May 28, 1996, the President thanked Sioeng for attending the fund-raiser and, more

generally, “for being there when you are asked to help.” President Clinton noted that he had 26

“enjoyed having the chance to talk” with Sioeng, and expressed hope that Sioeng would “continue

to share [his] advice and insight.”27

See December 1995 check to Kent La from Jessica Elnitiarta for $50,000 (Ex. 6). 28

like. Sioeng flew in for this event, bringing one business associate (Lam Kwok Man, from Hong

Kong), and the family came with approximately 48 local friends. Jessica Elnitiarta made a

$100,000 contribution to the DNC (from the account of Panda Estates) on July 12, 1996 to cover

the seats for the May fund-raiser, figuring the price at $12,500 per seat. Later, on July 29, 1996,

Jessica wrote an additional $50,000 check -- also on the Panda Estates account -- to the DNC to

cover the July Century City event. Jessica considered the price-per-head for the Century City

event significantly less than that for the Sheraton Carlton fund-raiser in May.

Jessica disclaimed any involvement in several other contributions. One was a Loh Sun

International contribution of $50,000 to the DNC on July 29, 1996 (the same day as the Century

City fund-raiser and the $50,000 contribution from Panda Estates to the DNC). Jessica stated

that she knew nothing about this until she read about it in the papers. Jessica’s seeming attempt

to distance the Sioeng family from Loh Sun is belied by the obvious financial relationship between

them. As described below, a wire transfer to Loh Sun from R T Enterprises -- one of the

businesses that often wired funds from Hong Kong to Sioeng family accounts in the United States

-- may have funded some or all of Loh Sun’s $50,000 contribution to the DNC. In addition, a

check signed by Kent La, Loh Sun’s president, was deposited into Sioeng’s account and may have

been used to fund Panda Industries’ 1995 contribution to the National Policy Forum, also

discussed in more detail below. Moreover, in December 1995 and January 1996, Jessica wrote

two checks to Kent La totaling $58,000. In the memo line of these checks is written, “Hong ta 28

Curiously, DNC check-tracking forms indicate that Huang attributed three Sioeng-related 29

checks to a small, July 30, 1996 dinner at the Jefferson Hotel attended by President

Clinton. A July 29, 1996 Panda Estates Investment check for $50,000 (Ex. 7), a

September 9, 1996 Subandi Tanuwidjaja check for $60,000 (Ex. 8), and a July 29, 1996

Loh Sun International check for $50,000, (Ex. 9), are all listed by Huang as connected to

the July 30, 1996 dinner. Among the intimate dinner’s attendees were President Clinton,

Huang, DNC Chairman Donald Fowler, James Riady, Taiwanese businessmen Eugene

T.C. Wu and James L.S. Lin of the Shin Kong Group, and Sen Jong “Ken” Hsui, a

Taiwanese-American businessman who is president of Prince Motors. See Alan C. Miller

and David Rosenzweig, “Clinton Dinner Gives Probes Some Questions to Chew On,” Los

Angeles Times, February 7, 1997, p. A1. No one from the Sioeng or Tanuwidjaja families

attended the dinner.

Jessica told the Committee she has spoken only once to Huang since the campaign finance 30

Other contributions Jessica disclaimed knowledge of were made by the Tanuwidjajas, her

family’s in-laws, who wrote three checks totaling $100,000 to the DNC in 1996. Jessica claimed

to know nothing about these contributions. However, the Tanuwidjaja family attended at least

one fund-raiser with Jessica, and two of the three Tanuwidjaja contributions were solicited by

John Huang.29

Huang called later in 1996 about other events in Chicago and San Francisco, but by that

time Jessica had lost interest in the process. She felt she had adequately honored her father and

did not need to participate further. 30

2. Contributions to Matt Fong

Sioeng and Panda Estates made three contributions to Matt Fong in 1995, totaling

$100,000. At the time, Fong was running for Treasurer of the State of California. Sioeng

contributed a total of $50,000 in April 1995. Later, in December 1995, Jessica Elnitiarta

contributed $50,000 more through Panda Estates.

See Paul Jacobs and Dan Morain, “Fong Returns $100,000 in Gifts,” Los Angeles Times, 31

April 23, 1997, p. A3.

Id. 32

Letter from Mark J. MacDougall and Steven R. Ross to William R. Turner, May 27, 1997. 33

(Ex.10). The letter indicates that it was sent after Fong’s deadline because “Ms. Elnitiarta

was traveling at the time [Fong’s] letter arrived.”

Id. 34

17

According to Jessica, the contributions were the result of some intense fund-raising

appeals from Fong personally, and others on his behalf. Faye Huang (a local activist not related

to John Huang) participated in a fund-raiser the Sioeng family held for a local candidate (Julia

Wu) at the Metropolitan Hotel in 1994. Faye Huang subsequently approached the family for

contributions on behalf of Fong. She courted both Sioeng and Jessica aggressively, and Sieong

eventually made his contributions in April 1995. The checks were filled out in part by Faye

Huang.

On April 22, 1997, after press stories had appeared linking Sioeng to the campaign finance

scandal, Fong returned the contributions from Sioeng and Panda Estates. Fong had requested

that Sioeng and Jessica verify that the contributions were not from foreign sources. When 31

Sioeng and his daughter failed to respond within a 24-hour deadline, Fong returned the

contributions, stating, “I want absolutely no cloud, no suspicion, no doubt about my campaign

conduct or my performance in public office.”32

By letter dated May 27, 1997, attorneys for Jessica and Panda Estates responded to

Fong. The letter criticizes “Mr. Fong and his campaign [for joining] in the shameful rhetoric 33

directed at Asian-Americans.” It states further that Jessica relied “upon the direct 34

representations made by the Fong campaign . . . that Panda Estates could properly contribute to

Mr. Fong’s campaign.” Although the letter notes that Panda Estates operated the Doheny 35

Estates condominium complex in Beverly Hills, it does not represent -- let alone prove -- that the

source of the Panda Estates contribution to Fong was its domestically-generated income. In fact,

the Committee has determined that at least a portion of one Sioeng contribution to Fong was

made with foreign money.

3. Contribution to the National Policy Forum

On July 18, 1995, Panda Industries made a $50,000 contribution to the National Policy

Forum (NPF). Exactly how this came about is uncertain, though it appears Sioeng’s acquaintance

with the NPF began with Matt Fong. Perhaps in gratitude for Sioeng’s earlier contributions, Fong

arranged in June 1995 for Sioeng to have his picture taken with Speaker Gingrich in Washington,

DC. Later, Fong sent a letter in support of a Los Angeles badminton tournament Sioeng

underwrote, and arranged for Gingrich to send a similar letter.

Around the same time, Sioeng and Elnitiarta took steps to host a fall 1995 fund-raiser

featuring Speaker Gingrich at their Los Angeles hotel. They thought such an event would add to

the hotel’s prestige. The fund-raiser ended up occurring at another Los Angeles hotel, but Sioeng

and family members nevertheless attended the event. The July 18, 1995 contribution of $50,000

to the NPF was solicited by a fund-raiser named Steve Kinney. Elnitiarta characterized it as a

gesture of gratitude for the photo with the Speaker and also an attempt (unsuccessful, as it turns

out) to persuade people to hold the fund-raiser at the family hotel.

See the section of this report on the National Policy Forum. See also infra note 84. 36

The account in Ardi’s name was not the only one used as a conduit for foreign funds. On 37

November 13, 1995, the Sioeng family set up another such account at the Grand National

Bank, this one in the name of Nanny Nitiarta, an Indonesian citizen of unknown relation to

the family. Like Ardi’s account, Nanny’s appears to have been used to shift money from

overseas to various Sioeng-family accounts and business interests. For example, on

November 5, 1996, Nanny’s account was credited with a $700,000 wire transfer from a

19

Although discussed in detail elsewhere in the report, some brief background information 36

on the NPF is warranted. The NPF was an independent 501(c)(4) organization created by Haley

Barbour to serve as a grass roots organization for the Republican exchange of ideas. It had no

PAC, donated no money, and did not advocate the election or defeat of any candidate. It was not

legally prohibited from accepting foreign money.

Part III. Analysis of Sioeng/Elnitiarta/Tanuwidjaja Political Contributions Made with

Foreign Money: 1995-96

Ted Sioeng, Jessica Elnitiarta, the family’s businesses, and their in-laws, the Tanuwidjajas,

made a number of significant political contributions in 1995 and 1996. In total, the Sioeng family

and businesses spent over half a million dollars on the 1996 elections.

The Committee has examined bank records relevant to most of family’s large political

contributions and discovered a recurring pattern: wire transfers from Hong Kong companies to

Sioeng & Co. accounts in the United States. Five companies -- Pristine Investments Limited, R T

Enterprises Limited, Dragon Union Limited, Mansion House Securities, and Victory Trading

Company -- believed to be based in Hong Kong, are the apparent source of funding for many of

the Sioeng family’s activities in this country. In 1995 and 1996, these companies transferred

millions of dollars from Hong Kong banks into U.S. accounts held by Sioeng’s sister, Yanti

Ardi. Jessica Elnitiarta, who held a durable power of attorney over Ardi’s account, distributed 37 38

Hong Kong account held by R T Enterprises Limited. (Ex. 11). A day later, Jessica

wrote a check on Nanny’s account for $140,000 to the International Daily News. (Ex.

12). The check was reversed because Jessica did not have signature authority over the

account (Ex. 13) (though she had signed other checks and authorized other transfers that

were not reversed). On November 8, 1996, $700,000 was transferred from Nanny’s

account to Yanti’s. (Ex. 14). Jessica remedied the signature problem by executing a

durable power of attorney over Nanny’s account on November 20, 1996. (Ex. 15).

Nanny’s account was closed on March 14, 1997.

Grand National Bank Durable Power of Attorney to Jessica G. Elnitiarta, December 20, 38

1995. (Ex. 16).

20

money from the account to other Sioeng family accounts and directly to Sioeng- related

businesses and interests. Funds from Ardi’s account eventually were used to make political

contributions, to purchase and subsidize the International Daily News, and to fund other activities

in this country.

Jessica’s use of Yanti Ardi’s U.S. bank account as a holding pen for funds wired in from

Hong Kong raises questions about the origins of the Sioeng family’s money as well as its intended

use in the United States. As noted, the Committee has discovered that millions of dollars were

wired into the U.S. from Hong Kong bank accounts held in the names of foreign firms. Because

of the Committee’s inability to compel production of bank records located outside U.S. borders,

the Committee cannot determine the source of the dollars wired into Sioeng family accounts in

this country.

The Committee’s analysis of Sioeng family bank records reveals that at least $200,000 in

contributions to the DNC derived from foreign sources. In addition, some $16,000 in

See chart listing the largest Sioeng family contributions (Ex. 17). 39

$100,000 check from Jessica G. Elnitiarta to the DNC, Feb. 19, 1996. (Ex. 18). 40

21

contributions to Matt Fong are linked to foreign money. The Majority staff has determined that

the following contributions derive in whole or in part from foreign funds:39

Account Name Donee Check Date Check Amount

Panda Estates Investment Matt Fong 12/14/95 $ 50,000

Jessica Elnitiarta DNC 2/19/96 $100,000

Panda Estates Investment DNC 7/12/96 $ 50,000

Subandi Tanuwidjaja DNC 9/9/96 $ 60,000

Subandi Tanuwidjaja DNC 9/19/96 $ 20,000

Only the Fong contribution has been returned. The DNC has refused steadfastly to give back any

of the Sioeng family contributions.

The sections that follow discuss in detail the Sioeng family contributions listed on Exhibit

17. The discussion largely revolves around bank records produced to the Committee pursuant to

subpoenas. The records support the conclusions drawn above; namely, that a substantial portion

of the Sioeng family contributions were made with foreign money.

A. DNC Contributions

1.

2/19/96 Jessica Elnitiarta $100,000

On February 19, 1996, Jessica Elnitiarta wrote a check for $100,000 to the DNC. A 40

DNC check tracking form indicates the contribution related to a dinner held on the same date at

DNC Check Tracking Form for Jessica G. Elnitiarta (Ex. 19). 41

Grand National Bank account statement for account number 210473306, Feb. 1-29, 1996. 42

(Ex. 20).

Id. 43

Grand National Bank Funds Transfer Authorization, Feb. 22, 1996. (Ex. 21). 44

Grand National Bank Miscellaneous Credit form, Feb. 12, 1996. (Ex. 22). 45

Grand National Bank account statement for account number 240417614, Feb. 1-29, 1996. 46

(Ex. 23).

22

the Hay Adams hotel. Although the $100,000 check is dated February 19, 1996, it was not paid 41

until February 26, 1996.42

As of February 19, 1996, Elnitiarta’s account carried a balance of less than $10,000. 43

However, on February 22, 1996, Elnitiarta transferred $200,000 to her account from Yanti

Ardi’s. Days later, half of this money was used to satisfy the check Elnitiarta wrote to the DNC 44

on February 19, 1996. The source of funds in Yanti Ardi’s account at that time appears to be a

$518,433.56 wire transfer from an account maintained at the Hong Kong branch of the Dutch

ING Bank by a company called Pristine Investments, Ltd. The wire transfer took place on 45

February 12, 1996. Prior to the transfer, Ardi’s account carried a balance of less than $3,000. 46

There were no additional deposits into Ardi’s account between February 12 and 22, 1997.

In short, bank records indicate that Jessica Elnitiarta’s February 19, 1996 contribution of

$100,000 to the DNC was made with substantially all foreign funds.

2.

7/12/96 Panda Estates (family business) $100,000

$100,000 check from Panda Estates Investment, Inc. to DNC, July 12, 1996. (Ex. 24). 47

Grand National Bank account statement for account number 200739801, June 29 - July 48

31, 1996. (Ex. 25).

Id. 49

Grand National Bank Customer Authorization for Funds Transfer, July 26, 1996. 50

(Ex. 26).

Ex. 25. 51

Grand National Bank account statement for account number 200739814, June 29 - July 52

31, 1996. (Ex. 27).

$60,000 check from Yanti Ardi to Panda Estates Investment, Inc., July 26, 1996. 53

(Ex. 28).

23

Panda Estates Investment Inc. contributed $100,000 to the DNC on July 12, 1996 from an

account the report will refer to as “Panda 801.” At the time, the Panda account had a negative 47

balance of $598.55. The check to the DNC was paid on July 25, 1996, leaving the Panda 48

account with a negative balance of $100,124.75. On July 26, 1996, $100,000 was transferred 49

from a second Panda account (“Panda 814") to Panda 801, bringing the balance of Panda 801 to 50

negative $2,351.29. Hence, the Panda 814 account was the source of the contribution from 51

Panda 801.

The sources of the funds for Panda 814's $100,000 transfer to Panda 801 appear to be (1)

rental income received by Panda Estates and (2) a $60,000 transfer from Yanti Ardi’s U.S.

account. On July 25, 1996, Panda 814 carried a balance of approximately $50,000, or not 52

enough to cover a $100,000 transfer. On July 26, 1996, a $60,000 check from Yanti Ardi was

deposited in Panda 814 -- a check whose source appears to be funds received by wire transfer

from a bank in Hong Kong. On June 28, 1996, Yanti Ardi’s U.S. account was credited with 53

Grand National Bank Miscellaneous Credit form, June 28, 1996. (Ex. 29). 54

Grand National Bank account statement for account number 240417614, June 1-28, 1996. 55

(Ex. 30).

Grand National Bank account statement for account number 240417614, June 29 - July 56

31, 1996. (Ex. 31).

Panda Estates Investment Inc. contributed $50,000 to the DNC by check dated July 29, 57

1996 and drawn on the Panda 801 account. (Ex. 7). At the time the check was written,

the Panda 801 account carried a negative balance. (Ex. 25). The check was not paid until

August 6, 1996, the same day two wire transfers totaling $50,000 were deposited into the

Panda 801 account. Grand National Bank Account statement for account number

200739801, Aug. 1-Aug. 30, 1996 (Ex. 32). One transfer, in the amount of $40,000,

came from the Panda 814 account. Grand National Bank Funds Transfer Authorization,

Aug. 6, 1996 (Ex. 33). The other transfer, this for $10,000, came from Code 3 U.S.A.

Grand National Bank account statement for account number 200739814, Aug. 6, 1996

(Ex. 34), which the Committee understands to be a gun shop run by Elnitiarta’s husband.

The $40,000 from Panda 814 was funded by a number of small deposits, which appear to

be rental payments made to Panda Estates. Grand National Bank account statement for

account number 200739814 (Ex. 35). The Committee does not know the source of the

$10,000 wired from Code 3. Hence, from the documents reviewed by the Committee, the

July 29, 1996 Panda Estates contribution cannot be traced to foreign money.

24

$1,652,479.98, which had been transferred by R. T. Enterprises Ltd. from the ING bank in Hong

Kong. On June 27, 1996, Ardi’s account balance was under $5,000. After the large R. T. 54 55

Enterprises transfer, there were no additional deposits into Ardi’s account until after the July 26,

1996 $60,000 transfer to Panda 814.56

In short, at least $50,000 of Panda Estate’s $100,000 July 12, 1996 contribution to the

DNC can be traced to foreign money.57

3.

9/9/96 Subandi Tanuwidjaja $60,000

9/19/96 Subandi Tanuwidjaja $20,000

$60,000 check from Subandi Tanuwidjaja to the DNC, Sept. 9, 1996. (Ex. 8). $20,000 58

check from Subandi Tanuwidjaja to the DNC, Sept. 19, 1996 and $20,000 check from

Suryanti Tanuwidjaja to the DNC, Sept. 16, 1996. (Ex. 36).

$100,000 check from Susanto Tanuwidjaja to Subandi Tanuwidjaja, Sept. 6, 1996. 59

(Ex. 37).

Reprint of Incoming Wire Traffic, Sept. 18, 1996. (Ex. 38). 60

Id. 61

Western State Bank account statements for account number 033100-153947, Aug.-Oct. 62

1996. (Ex. 39).

Id. 63

Memorandum and report of outgoing wire traffic from Subandi Tanuwidjaja to Western 64

State Bank, Sept. 9, 1996. (Ex. 40).

25

The Tanuwidjaja’s contributed $100,000 to the DNC through three checks dated in

September 1996. Contributions dated September 9 and 19, 1996 and totaling $80,000 were 58

from Subandi Tanuwidjaja, son of Susanto Tanuwidjaja, and the man who married Ted Sioeng’s

daughter, Laureen. A contribution of $20,000 dated September 16, 1996 was made by Suryanti.

The September 9 and 19 contributions from Subandi appear to be covered by a $100,000

check from Susanto dated September 6, 1996, and a $20,000 wire transfer on September 18, 59

1996 from Dragon Union Ltd.’s account at the Hua Chiao Commercial Bank Ltd. in Hong

Kong. It is clear from markings known as “imad” characters on the lower left of the wire 60

transfer report that the funds were, in fact, transferred from Hua Chiao’s Hong Kong branch.61

On September 8, 1996, Subandi’s account carried a balance of less than $5,000. On 62

September 9, 1996, the $100,000 check from Susanto was deposited into Subandi’s account. 63

On the same day, Subandi wired $38,000 to a bank in Singapore, leaving a balance of 64

$66,049.99, or enough to cover Subandi’s $60,000 check to the DNC, also dated September 9,

$60,000 check from Subandi Tanuwidjaja to the DNC, Sept. 9, 1996. (Ex. 8). $20,000 58

check from Subandi Tanuwidjaja to the DNC, Sept. 19, 1996 and $20,000 check from

Suryanti Tanuwidjaja to the DNC, Sept. 16, 1996. (Ex. 36).

$100,000 check from Susanto Tanuwidjaja to Subandi Tanuwidjaja, Sept. 6, 1996. 59

(Ex. 37).

Reprint of Incoming Wire Traffic, Sept. 18, 1996. (Ex. 38). 60

Id. 61

Western State Bank account statements for account number 033100-153947, Aug.-Oct. 62

1996. (Ex. 39).

Id. 63

Memorandum and report of outgoing wire traffic from Subandi Tanuwidjaja to Western 64

State Bank, Sept. 9, 1996. (Ex. 40).

25

The Tanuwidjaja’s contributed $100,000 to the DNC through three checks dated in

September 1996. Contributions dated September 9 and 19, 1996 and totaling $80,000 were 58

from Subandi Tanuwidjaja, son of Susanto Tanuwidjaja, and the man who married Ted Sioeng’s

daughter, Laureen. A contribution of $20,000 dated September 16, 1996 was made by Suryanti.

The September 9 and 19 contributions from Subandi appear to be covered by a $100,000

check from Susanto dated September 6, 1996, and a $20,000 wire transfer on September 18, 59

1996 from Dragon Union Ltd.’s account at the Hua Chiao Commercial Bank Ltd. in Hong

Kong. It is clear from markings known as “imad” characters on the lower left of the wire 60

transfer report that the funds were, in fact, transferred from Hua Chiao’s Hong Kong branch.61

On September 8, 1996, Subandi’s account carried a balance of less than $5,000. On 62

September 9, 1996, the $100,000 check from Susanto was deposited into Subandi’s account. 63

On the same day, Subandi wired $38,000 to a bank in Singapore, leaving a balance of 64

$66,049.99, or enough to cover Subandi’s $60,000 check to the DNC, also dated September 9,

$60,000 check from Subandi Tanuwidjaja to the DNC, Sept. 9, 1996. (Ex. 8). $20,000 58

check from Subandi Tanuwidjaja to the DNC, Sept. 19, 1996 and $20,000 check from

Suryanti Tanuwidjaja to the DNC, Sept. 16, 1996. (Ex. 36).

$100,000 check from Susanto Tanuwidjaja to Subandi Tanuwidjaja, Sept. 6, 1996. 59

(Ex. 37).

Reprint of Incoming Wire Traffic, Sept. 18, 1996. (Ex. 38). 60

Id. 61

Western State Bank account statements for account number 033100-153947, Aug.-Oct. 62

1996. (Ex. 39).

Id. 63

Memorandum and report of outgoing wire traffic from Subandi Tanuwidjaja to Western 64

State Bank, Sept. 9, 1996. (Ex. 40).

25

The Tanuwidjaja’s contributed $100,000 to the DNC through three checks dated in

September 1996. Contributions dated September 9 and 19, 1996 and totaling $80,000 were 58

from Subandi Tanuwidjaja, son of Susanto Tanuwidjaja, and the man who married Ted Sioeng’s

daughter, Laureen. A contribution of $20,000 dated September 16, 1996 was made by Suryanti.

The September 9 and 19 contributions from Subandi appear to be covered by a $100,000

check from Susanto dated September 6, 1996, and a $20,000 wire transfer on September 18, 59

1996 from Dragon Union Ltd.’s account at the Hua Chiao Commercial Bank Ltd. in Hong

Kong. It is clear from markings known as “imad” characters on the lower left of the wire 60

transfer report that the funds were, in fact, transferred from Hua Chiao’s Hong Kong branch.61

On September 8, 1996, Subandi’s account carried a balance of less than $5,000. On 62

September 9, 1996, the $100,000 check from Susanto was deposited into Subandi’s account. 63

On the same day, Subandi wired $38,000 to a bank in Singapore, leaving a balance of 64

$66,049.99, or enough to cover Subandi’s $60,000 check to the DNC, also dated September 9,

Ex. 39. 65

Id. 66

Id. 67

Western State Bank account statements for account number 033200-055538, Aug.-Oct. 68

1996. (Ex. 41).

Report of incoming wire traffic, August 22, 1996. (Ex. 42). 69

Id. 70

Ex. 41. 71

Id. 72

26

1996. On September 18, 1996, Subandi’s account was credited with the $20,000 wired by 65

Dragon Union Ltd, increasing the balance to $86,039.99. Thereafter, the two DNC checks were 66

cashed; the $60,000 check on September 27 and the $20,000 check on October 4, 1996.67

The $100,000 check from Susanto to Subandi can be traced in large part to a foreign

source. Susanto’s account carried a balance of less than $3,000 when it was credited with a 68

wire transfer in the amount of $99,985 from an account maintained by Subandi in Jakarta,

Indonesia. Again, it is clear from the “imad” characters on the left side of the wire transfer 69

report that the funds were transferred from Subandi’s United City Bank account in Jakarta. 70

There were only two other deposits into Susanto’s account between August 22 and September 9,

1996 -- one for $20,000 on August 30 and one for $10,000 on September 3, 1996. These two 71

deposits, however, appear connected to debits in similar amounts.72

In any event, it is clear that Subandi’s $80,000 in contributions to the DNC derived mostly

-- if not entirely -- from foreign funds.

The Companies Ordinance of Dragon Union Limited, Dec. 11, 1996 (Ex. 43). 73

Two other large Sioeng-family contributions to the DNC bear mention, although it the 74

Committee has not been able to determine whether or not they were made with foreign

money. By check dated September 16, 1996, (Ex. 36), Suryanti Tanuwidjaja contributed

$20,000 to the DNC. Suryanti’s contribution to the DNC was not paid until September

30, 1996. Bank of America statement of Suryanti Tanuwidjaja, Oct. 30, 1996 (Ex. 44).

On September 18, 1996, Suryanti’s savings account was credited with a $20,000 wire

transfer from Dragon Union Ltd.’s account at the Hua Chiao Commercial Bank Ltd. in

Hong Kong. Funds Transfer History, Sept. 18, 1996 (Ex. 45). On the same day, Suryanti

transferred $24,000 from her savings to her checking account at Bank of America. Bank

of America statement of Suryanti Tanuwidjaja, Sept. 27, 1996 (Ex. 46).

Although the timing appears suspicious, the Committee has not been able to identify

conclusively the $20,000 wire transfer from Dragon Union as the source of Suryanti’s

contribution to the DNC in the same amount. There were sufficient additional funds in

Suryanti’s savings account to cover the $24,000 transfer to checking. (Id.). Likewise,

there were sufficient additional funds in Suryanti’s checking account to cover the DNC

check on September 30, 1996, the day it was paid. (Ex. 44).

Loh Sun International, Inc. contributed $50,000 to the DNC by check dated July 29, 1996

and signed by Kent La. (Ex. 9). The check was not paid until August 5, 1996, at which

point the Loh Sun account carried a balance of more than $250,000. Union Pacific Bank

Records for Loh Suh International, Aug. 30, 1996 (Ex. 47). On July 24, 1996, the Loh

Sun account was credited with $97,555, which had been wired by R T Enterprises Limited

from an account at a Hong Kong branch of the Dutch ING Bank. Union Pacific Bank

records for Loh Suh International, Inc., July 31, 1996 (Ex. 48). Although this was the

largest deposit made into Loh Sun’s account in 1996 and the only one that, on its face,

clearly was made with foreign funds, the Committee was unable to determine whether the

money wired to Loh Sun by R T Enterprises was used to make the DNC contribution.

There was simply too much other money in Loh Sun’s account.

27

The Majority staff has obtained corporate records for Dragon Union Ltd. in Hong Kong

and have attached them as an exhibit. The records show that Subandi Tanuwidjaja’s links to the 73

company; he was made a director of Dragon Union on January 27, 1997. Subandi’s connection

to Dragon Union would tend to suggest he may have been aware that foreign money was being

used to make contributions to the DNC.74

B. Matt Fong Contribution

$50,000 Grand National Bank check from Panda Estates Investment Inc. to Matt Fong for 75

State Treasurer, Dec. 14, 1995. (Ex. 49).

Grand National Bank account statement for account number 200739801, Dec. 1 - 29, 76

1995. (Ex. 50).

Id. 77

Grand National Bank Customer Authorization for Funds Transfer, Dec. 19, 1995. 78

(Ex. 51).

Grand National Bank Miscellaneous Credit form, Dec. 11, 1995. (Ex. 52). 79

Grand National Bank account statement for account number 240979814, Dec. 1 - 29, 80

1995. (Ex. 53).

Grand National Bank account statement for account number 240979814, November 13 - 81

30, 1995. (Ex. 54).

28

12/14/95 Panda Estates (family business) $50,000

The Committee has determined that one of three Sioeng-family contributions to Matt

Fong was made, in part, with foreign money. Fong returned all of the contributions in April 1997.

Panda Estates Investment Inc. contributed $50,000 to Matt Fong for State Treasurer on

December 14, 1995. The check was signed by Jessica Elnitiarta and paid on December 18, 75

1995. The balance in Panda Estates’ account at that time was only $7,000, and the check to the 76

Matt Fong (and one other check) left Panda with a negative balance of $43,888.55.77

On December 19, 1995, $50,000 was transferred to the Panda account from one of Yanti

Ardi’s Grand National Bank accounts. On December 11, 1995, Ardi’s account was credited 78

with a wire transfer of $150,000 from a Hong Kong account maintained by Pristine Investments

Limited. At the time, Ardi’s account carried a balance of approximately $34,000, which, in 79 80

turn, was the remainder of a $562,500 deposit into Ardi’s account on November 15, 1995. The 81

$562,500 Grand National Bank check from Sandra and Laureen Elnitiarta to Yanti Ardi, 82

November 15, 1995. (Ex. 55). Laureen Elnitiarta’s signature appears on the check.

The Committee examined two other Sioeng-family contributions to Fong that cannot be 83

traced to foreign sources from the information at hand. Sioeng San Wong (a.k.a. Ted

Sioeng) contributed $20,000 to Matt Fong by check dated April 20, 1995. Check 671 to

Matt Fong for State Treasurer from Sioeng San Wong, Apr. 20, 1995 (Ex. 56). The

check was paid on April 27, 1995. Grand National Bank account statement for Sioeng

San Wong, Apr. 1-Apr. 28, 1995 (Ex. 57). Two days earlier, Sioeng’s account carried a

balance of near zero. It appears that the Fong check was covered by a $30,000 transfer

on April 26, 1995 from Sundari and Laureen Elnitiarta. Statement of Transfer, Apr. 26,

1995 (Ex. 58). Referred to as a “loan advance,” the $30,000 transfer represented the only

funds in Sioeng’s account at the time his check to Matt Fong was paid. (Ex. 57). The

Committee does not know the source of the $30,000 transferred from Sundari and

Laureen to Sioeng.

Sioeng San Wong wrote another check to Matt Fong -- this one for $30,000 -- on April

28, 1995. Grand National Bank check from Sioeng San Wong to Matt Fong for State

Treasurer for $30,000, Apr. 28, 1995 (Ex. 59). This check was paid on May 2, 1995.

Grand National Bank account statement of Sioeng San Wong, Apr. 29-May 31, 1995

(Ex. 60). At the time, Sioeng’s account still had roughly $10,000 left from Sundari and

Laureen’s loan advance and an additional $30,000 from a check written on the account of

a Glenville A. Stuart. Grand National Bank check from Glenville Stuart to Sioeng San

Wong for $30,000, Apr. 28, 1995 (Ex. 61). The check was deposited on April 28, 1995.

(Ex. 57).

Committee staff spoke to Mr. Stuart about the $30,000 check on November 3, 1997.

Stuart, who said he has known Ted Sioeng for ten years, claimed the check was written in

partial satisfaction of a loan Ted Sioeng had extended to him. Stuart said no one gave him

the money to give to Sioeng and that he does not recall Sioeng asking him for it. He said

that Jessica Elnitiarta, however, may have asked him for the money. Stuart declined to

discuss what line of business he is in.

Committee staff asked Stuart about Sioeng and his family more generally. Stuart

characterized Sioeng as a kind, good-hearted, and generous man with lots of friends from

29

$562,500 deposit was from a check written on an account held in the name of Sandra and

Laureen Elnitiarta, an account the Committee does not have records for. 82

In sum, the records reviewed by Committee staff show that at least $16,000 of the

$50,000 contribution from Panda Estates to Matt Fong derived from a foreign source.83

all over the world. Sioeng, who Stuart knows as “Sioeng San Wong,” is frightened now,

according to Stuart, who has not seen Sioeng in quite some time. Stuart also knows

Jessica Elnitiarta,who he said handles the Sioeng family businesses in this country.

Note that the Committee could not determine whether Panda Industries’ $50,000 84

contribution to the National Policy Forum (NPF) was made with domestic or foreign

money. The Committee’s analysis follows.

Panda Industries, Inc. contributed $50,000 to the NPF. Grand National Bank check from

Panda Industries signed by Jessica Elnitiarta (Ex. 62). The check was paid on Aug. 3,

1995. Grand National Bank statement of Panda Industries, Account number 240539301,

Aug. 1-Aug. 31, 1995. (Ex. 63).

Because of multiple deposits into and withdrawals from the Panda Industries account

during the relevant time frame, the Committee has been unable to pinpoint one particular

source -- domestic or foreign -- for Panda’s contribution to the NPF. That said, there are

two potential sources of funds for the $50,000 contribution. On July 17, 1995, Panda

Industries deposited a $50,000 check written the same day on Sioeng San Wong’s

account. Grand National Bank check from Sioeng San Wong to Panda Industries, Inc. for

$50,000 (Ex. 64). Prior to this deposit, the Panda Industries account carried a balance of

roughly $1,300. Grand National Bank statement of Panda Industries, Inc. account number

240539301, July 1-July 31, 1995 (Ex. 65). Also on July 17, 1995, $70,000 was deposited

into Sioeng San Wong’s account. The $70,000 derived from a check written on Vinh B.

La’s account at the United Pacific Bank. United Pacific Bank check written by Vinh B.

La to Cash, July 17, 1995 (Ex. 66). This $70,000 appears to be the source of Sioeng’s

$50,000 transfer to Panda Industries as, save for the $70,000, Sioeng’s account carried a

balance of less than $5,000. Grand National Bank statement for Sioeng San Wong,

account 210459806, July 1-July 31, 1995 (Ex. 67).

It is difficult to trace the source of the $70,000 transferred from Vinh La’s account. On

the day the check was paid (July 18, 1995), La’s account carried a balance of

$101,326.93. United Pacific Bank Statement of Vinh Binh La, account 001-017438, July

25, 1995 (Ex. 68). Half of this amount is attributable to a July 14, 1995 deposit of

$50,000 withdrawn from a savings account maintained by Loh Sun International at the

United Pacific Bank. United Pacific Bank deposit slip for account of La Vinh Binh, July

14, 1995 (Ex. 69). The savings withdrawal request was signed by Kent La, who later

signed a contribution check from Loh Sun to the DNC. Id.

The source of the $50,000 withdrawal from Loh Sun’s United Pacific Bank savings

account appears to be a transfer from a Loh Sun checking account maintained at the same

bank. Loh Sun’s savings account was opened with a deposit of a $200,000 check, dated

30

C. Other Contributions and Questionable Transactions84

January 4, 1995, written on Loh Sun’s checking account. United Pacific Bank statement

of Loh Sun International, Inc. account 001-409204, Jan. 31, 1995 (Ex. 70). An

examination of the quarterly statements for Loh Sun’s savings account from the time it

was opened until the $50,000, July 1-July 31, 1995 withdrawal was made on July 14, 1995

reveals that the withdrawal derived from the $200,000 deposited on January 4, 1995.

United Pacific Bank statement of Loh Sun International, Inc., account 001-720-806, Mar.

31, 1995 (Ex. 71). There were no other significant deposits made into the account during

this time period. Id. The Committee does not know the source of the $200,000

transferred from Loh Sun’s checking account.

The second potential source of Panda Industries’ contribution to the NPF was an $80,000.

telephone transfer into the Panda Industries’ account. The transfer was made on July 24,

1995 and increased the balance in the account to $124,877.52. (Ex. 65). The Committee

has learned that the telephone transfer was requested by Jessica Elnitiarta and made from

another account maintained in the name of Panda Industries (“PI 314"). Customer

Authorization for Funds Transfer, July 24, 1995 (Ex. 72). However, the Committee could

not determine with the information at hand the source of the $80,000 transferred from PI

314.

In sum, the Committee cannot determine whether any portion of Panda Industries’

$50,000 contribution to the NPF derived from a foreign source.

Two $20,000 checks from Jessica G. Elnitiarta to the Consulate General of the PRC 85

(Education Section), November 15, 1996. Grand National Bank check number 442 & 443

from Jessica G. Elnitiarta to Consulate General of the PRC (education section) for

$20,000, Nov. 15, 1996 (Ex. 73).

Bank of China account statement for account number 5011-0600059-000, December 31, 86

1996. (Ex. 74). The two $20,000 checks were credited to the L.A. Consulate’s

Education Section account as a $4,000 and a $36,000 deposit. A Bank of China

representative could not explain why the two checks were credited in that way.

31

! PRC Consulate in Los Angeles - two $20,000 checks, both dated November 15, 1996 and

consecutively numbered, were written on Jessica Elnitiarta’s account to the PRC

Consulate General in Los Angeles. The checks were deposited by the Consulate in its 85

“Education Section” account; an account that appears to have been opened with

Elnitiarta’s money. The purpose behind these checks -- and why two were written 86

instead of one -- is not known.

! PRC Consulate in Los Angeles to Hollywood Metropolitan Hotel - a $3,000 check, dated

March 22, 1996, was written on the PRC Consulate’s account at the Bank of China, Los

Angeles branch to the Hollywood Metropolitan Hotel, a business owned and operated by

the Sioeng family. Three days later, the check was deposited into a Grand National 91

Bank account maintained by Panda Hotel Investment, Inc. Nothing on the check itself or 92

told to the Committee by Jessica helps explain the instrument’s purpose.

Part IV. Conclusion

The story of Ted Sioeng and his family is a fascinating glimpse at how quickly an

individual or family -- even one with markedly limited U.S.-based income and with the vast

majority of its wealth overseas -- can become an influential figure with a political party or in an

election. In Sioeng’s case, some $400,000 in contributions to the DNC in 1995 and 1996 earned

him remarkable access to the President and Vice President of the United States, and not just for

him, but for his family and friends as well.

The Sioeng story, though, has only been partially told by the Committee. Still to be

answered are many questions, among them the following:

! Was money sent by Sioeng from Hong Kong to the United States for the express purpose

of making political contributions;

! What was the ultimate source of the funds Sioeng wired from Hong Kong to accounts in

this country;

! What was the nature of Sioeng’s relationship with the Government of China; and

! Why did Sioeng and his family decide to start making large political contributions during

the 1996 election cycle.

It is clear that Sioeng and his family became major Democratic donors during the 1996 election

cycle and that they did so with money wired from overseas. The questions above take the analysis

to a new level -- one that focuses less on the Sioeng family’s contributions and more on their

motives for making them. Until the questions are answered, Sioeng, like Charlie Trie, John

Huang, Maria Hsia, and others, will remain a mysterious figure who was embraced all-too eagerly

by a money-hungry DNC.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Democratic donor Norman Hsu attempted suicide on run

Thursday, October 18th 2007, 4:00 AM

Jailed fund-raiser Norman Hsu began popping pills on his way out to California for a court appearance last month and continued to down over-the-counter drugs in a failed suicide attempt when he went on the run, the Daily News has learned.

Hsu's effort to kill himself is detailed in court papers obtained Wednesday by The News. The "excessive number of over-the-counter pills" eventually led Hsu's kidneys to fail and induced severe delirium. He was in such bad shape when authorities pulled him off an Amtrak train in Colorado that emergency room doctors thought he was suffering from West Nile virus.

"Medical staff suspected that Mr. Hsu might have encephalitis or West Nile virus," said documents filed by Hsu's lawyers.

The filing is the fullest disclosure yet of Hsu's most recent flight from justice. It confirms Hsu, 56, sent multiple suicide notes before boarding a plane that arrived in Oakland, Calif., at 5:25 a.m. on Sept. 5, the morning he was due to face his 15-year-old California theft conviction.

Before landing, Hsu took "a few unidentified pills provided by a friend," the filing says.

Things got worse when a "sleep-deprived" Hsu took a taxi to a San Francisco hotel and panicked when he saw people he assumed were reporters. He then hopped an Amtrak train - forfeiting his $2million bail - and ingested plenty more drugs "in an effort to end his life."

Hsu, who helped raise some $800,000 for Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) while a fugitive from crimes in California, is in jail. He is due back before a California judge Nov. 2. He also faces federal charges he bilked $60 million from investors in a huge Ponzi scheme.

Clinton has returned donations from 249 Hsu associates, but yesterday the Los Angeles Times reported some of the same donors also gave $263,000 to her Senate accounts - money she doesn't intend to return.