Ex-aide for New York governors charged with spying for China in return for cash and tasty treats

New York, New York - A former New York official is facing charges for allegedly working as a double agent for China in return for cash and duck delicacies.

A former US official has been charged with working as a double agent for China in exchange for rewards such as cash and duck.
A former US official has been charged with working as a double agent for China in exchange for rewards such as cash and duck.  © Collage: IMAGO/Panthermedia & IMAGO/Pond5 Images

Linda Sun, a former aide to NY Governor Kathy Hochul and her predecessor, Andrew Cuomo, is accused of brokering meetings between Chinese and New York officials in exchange for rewards.

Sun has also allegedly obstructed similar meetings with Taiwanese representatives.

In return, she reportedly got cash, concert tickets, and even Nanjing-style salted ducks prepared by a professional Chinese chef.

Beijing says China and US can achieve "great things" together
China Beijing says China and US can achieve "great things" together

Sun was charged on Tuesday with "violating and conspiring to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, alien smuggling, and money laundering conspiracy."

Her husband Chris Hu was also charged with money laundering, misuse of means of identification, and conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

"As alleged, while appearing to serve the people of New York as Deputy Chief of Staff within the New York State Executive Chamber, the defendant and her husband actually worked to further the interests of the Chinese government and the CCP," said US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace.

"The illicit scheme enriched the defendant’s family to the tune of millions of dollars. Our Office will act decisively to prosecute those who serve as undisclosed agents of a foreign government."

Chinese embassy responds to accusations

The Chinese embassy strongly denied accusations that it had worked with an "agent" in New York.

Spokesperson Liu Pengyu accused the US of spreading false narratives and said that China requires its citizens to comply with all overseas laws.

"In recent years, the US government and media have frequently hyped up the so-called ‘Chinese agents’ narratives, many of which have later been proven untrue," Liu was cited by the New York Times as saying.

"China requires its citizens overseas to comply with the laws and regulations of the host country, and we firmly oppose the groundlessly slandering and smearing targeting China."

Cover photo: Collage: IMAGO/Panthermedia & IMAGO/Pond5 Images

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