Photo: Corey Sipkin Associated Press Linda Sun and her husband Christopher Hu have pleaded not guilty and have been released on bail on the condition that they not contact a Chinese diplomatic mission.
Agence France-Presse in New York
Published at 12:35 p.m.
- < li>Americas
A former aide to the governor of New York state has been arrested and charged with working as an agent for China in exchange for millions of dollars, a lavish lifestyle and salted duck, U.S. federal prosecutors announced Tuesday.
The United States regularly seeks to expose officials and others working on behalf of foreign countries, particularly arch-rival China.
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.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000In return, she is accused of receiving “substantial” economic incentives that allowed her to enjoy a lavish lifestyle, tickets to a Chinese orchestra, and famous Nanjing salted ducks prepared by the chef of a visiting Chinese official.
Read also
- Democratic Senator Bob Menendez Found Guilty of Bribery
Linda Sun “used her position of influence” among New York’s elite to “covertly advance” the interests of the Chinese regime, “directly threatening our country’s national security,” prosecutors said in a statement.
“This illicit scheme enriched the defendant’s family to the tune of millions of dollars,” prosecutor Breon Peace said in the statement, without providing specific figures. “Her husband Christopher Hu enabled millions of dollars in bribes to flow for his own personal benefit,” he added.
Both have pleaded not guilty and were released on bail on the condition that they not contact a Chinese diplomatic mission.
Prosecutors said the two defendants bought a $4.1 million property on New York’s Long Island, a $2.1 million condo in Hawaii and a brand-new Ferrari.
China’s Foreign Ministry said Wednesday it was unaware of Sun’s situation.
“I will not comment on internal cases in the United States,” spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular news briefing. “But we oppose any malicious association or slander against China,” she added.