Ferrari, salted duck and millions of dollars
Linda Sun is accused by the American justice system of having worked as an agent for China in exchange for millions of dollars and a lavish lifestyle.
She has been arrested. Linda Sun, a former aide to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, is accused of working as a Chinese agent in exchange for millions of dollars, a lavish lifestyle and salted duck, U.S. federal prosecutors said Tuesday. She blocked Taiwanese officials from accessing New York state leaders, tried to arrange an official trip to China for a senior New York official and brokered meetings for visiting Chinese delegations, according to prosecutors.
In return for these services, she is accused of having received economic incentives. “substantial” allowing him a luxurious lifestyle: tickets to a Chinese orchestra or famous Nanjing salted ducks, prepared by the chef of a visiting Chinese official.
“Pots-de-vin”
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. According to their statement, “This illicit system has enriched the accused’s family to the tune of millions of dollars” – he does not give exact figures. “Her husband, Christopher Hu, enabled the transfer of millions of dollars in bribes for his personal benefit”added prosecutor Breon Peace.
The couple pleaded not guilty and were both released on bail on the condition that they not contact a Chinese diplomatic mission. Prosecutors said the pair bought a $4.1 million property on Long Island, New York, a $2.1 million condo in Hawaii and a brand new Ferrari.
The United States regularly seeks to flush out officials and others working on behalf of foreign countries, particularly its arch-rival China.