September 3, 2024 at 09:05PM
Former New York State official Linda Sun and her husband are charged with illegally advancing the interests of the Chinese government and communist party. Sun, a former Deputy Chief of Staff, allegedly received cash and gifts from Chinese officials, used her influence to benefit China, and laundered millions of dollars. The couple faces multiple charges, including money laundering and visa fraud.
Based on the meeting notes, the former senior official of the New York State government, Linda Sun, has been accused by the US Department of Justice of illegally advancing the interests of the Chinese government and communist party. Sun, along with her husband, has been charged with violating and conspiring to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, alien smuggling, and money laundering conspiracy. Prosecutors claim that Sun, while serving as Deputy Chief of Staff within the New York State Executive Chamber, worked to further the interests of the Chinese government and the Chinese Communist Party, allegedly enriching her family with millions of dollars.
Sun is alleged to have carried out tasks assigned by officials from China’s consulate in New York City, including accepting cash and gifts, blocking representatives of Taiwan from meeting NY state officials, and providing unauthorized letters inviting Chinese officials to New York. She is also accused of not disclosing payments from China, despite being required to make full financial disclosures every year.
Sun’s conspicuous consumption, including the purchase of luxury properties and vehicles, raised suspicions and led to an investigation by the FBI and Internal Revenue Service. After admitting to charges during a voluntary interview with New York State’s Office of the Inspector General, Sun’s employment was terminated. However, the indictment claims that she continued to represent herself as working for the state and was subsequently sent a cease-and-desist letter.
Sun and her husband have been formally arrested and issued with a confiscation order to recover some of the alleged Chinese funds. No trial date has been set yet.