(Image source from: Reuters.com)
A former deputy chief of staff to New York Governor Kathy Hochul was booked as the Chinese agent.
According to the federal indictment, 41-year-old Linda Sun worked for the Chinese government, in return for millions of dollars, special home deliveries of Salted ducks and other perks.
Ms Sun was sacked from Ms Hochul's office two years ago after she was found to have committed misconduct. Ms Hochul became the governor in 2021.
Ms Sun and Mr Hu were held for fraud visa, and money laundering conspiracy and they were also alleged for bringing four illegal immigrants into the country.
In detail, Ms Sun and her spouse Chris Hu were engaged in web activities in exchange for millions of dollars in illicit benefits. It also revealed that they have been doing this for nearly a decade, which is involved in high-level influence and financial kickbacks.
Sun alleged to have acted on behalf of the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (CPP). They were alleged for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and also misuse their identification.
But, both Sun and Chris Hu pleaded not guilty to all charges in federal court on Tuesday afternoon.
The US attorney's office has released a statement, stating that Sun has violated internal rules and protocols many times within the New York State Government, that is to represent the Chinese representatives. They have provided unauthorized invitation letters from the high-level office in New York City.
Thomas M Fattorusso, special agent in charge of IRS CI New York said that Sun is an undisclosed agent to the CPP and PRC. He alleged that Sun and her husband have laundered millions of dollars for the foreign country, used funds to buy luxury vehicles and also bought millions of dollars worth of properties in New York.
Sun and Hu also have bonds of $1.5 M and her husband has $500,000.
According to the attorney general, Sun was never mentioned as a foreign agent. Sun was only following the orders, requests and directions of the PRC government and CCP representatives. Where she was benefitting personally in return like Hu’s travel benefits, promotion of a close family friend’s business, employment for Sun’s cousin in the PRC and a personal chef were also provided to the Sun’s parents.
Sun and Hu also have properties in New York currently valued at $4.1 M, a condominium in Honolulu, a $2.1 M property in Hawaii, and various luxury automobiles.
