A former aide to the governor of New York state has been arrested and charged with working as a Chinese agent in exchange for millions of dollars, a lavish lifestyle and salted duck, U.S. federal prosecutors said Tuesday. Prosecutors say Linda Sun blocked Taiwanese officials from accessing New York state leaders, sought to arrange an official trip to China for a senior New York official and brokered meetings for visiting Chinese delegations. She is accused of receiving economic incentives in return. “substantial” allowing him a luxurious lifestyle, tickets to a Chinese orchestra or even famous Nanjing salted ducks prepared by the chef of a visiting Chinese official.
Linda Sun a “used out of his position of influence” among New York executives for “promote clandestinely” the interests of the Chinese regime, “directly threatening the national security of our country,” prosecutors said in a statement. “This illicit system enriched the accused’s family to the tune of millions of dollars.”prosecutor Breon Peace said in the statement, without giving exact figures. “Her husband Christopher Hu enabled the transfer of millions of dollars in bribes for his personal benefit”he added. Prosecutors estimated that the two defendants purchased a $4.1 million property on Long Island, New York, a $2.1 million apartment in Hawaii, as well as a brand new Ferrari.
Both pleaded not guilty and were released on bail on condition that they not contact a Chinese diplomatic mission.
