A former aide to the governor of New York, Linda Sun, was arrested and charged with acting as an agent of China in exchange for millions of dollars, according to prosecutors on Tuesday. Sun is accused of using her position to broker meetings between Chinese and New York officials while obstructing similar meetings with Taiwanese representatives.
Prosecutors allege that Sun received substantial economic incentives in return, which she used to fund a lavish lifestyle. These perks included luxury items, tickets to a visiting Chinese orchestra, and Nanjing-style salted ducks prepared by a chef for a Chinese official.
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“This illicit scheme enriched the defendant’s family to the tune of millions of dollars,” stated United States Attorney Breon Peace. He further revealed that Sun’s husband, Christopher Hu, played a key role in facilitating the transfer of millions in kickbacks for their personal gain.
According to the indictment, Sun exploited her position of influence to covertly advance the agendas of China and the Chinese Communist Party, posing a direct threat to U.S. national security. Both Sun and Hu have pleaded not guilty to the charges and were released on bail under the condition that they refrain from contacting any Chinese diplomatic missions.
The prosecution also alleges that the couple laundered the proceeds of their crimes, using the funds to purchase a $4.1 million property on Long Island, a $2.1 million condo in Hawaii, and a 2024 Ferrari.
Key Points:
- Arrest and Charges: Linda Sun, a former aide to the New York governor, was arrested and charged with acting as an agent of China in exchange for millions of dollars.
- Alleged Activities: Sun allegedly brokered meetings between Chinese and New York officials while obstructing meetings with Taiwanese officials, receiving substantial economic benefits in return.
- Luxury Lifestyle: The perks Sun allegedly received included luxury items, tickets to a Chinese orchestra, and gourmet food, all contributing to a lavish lifestyle.
- Involvement of Husband: Prosecutors claim that Sun’s husband, Christopher Hu, facilitated the transfer of millions in kickbacks for their personal gain.
- National Security Concerns: Sun is accused of using her position to promote Chinese and Chinese Communist Party agendas, posing a threat to U.S. national security.
- Property and Assets: The couple allegedly laundered their illicit earnings to purchase a $4.1 million Long Island property, a $2.1 million condo in Hawaii, and a 2024 Ferrari.
- Legal Status: Both Sun and Hu pleaded not guilty and were released on bail with the condition that they avoid contact with Chinese diplomatic missions.
