Governor Hochul's trustworthiness is now in question with reports of a spy on her team.
It is not unexpected that a political party with a history of antagonism towards the United States would be infiltrated by foreign operatives and politicians willing to compromise their integrity for financial gain. A recent case highlighting this issue involves Linda Sun, a 41-year-old American citizen originally from China. Sun has been active in New York State politics for over a decade and has been accused of engaging in espionage on behalf of the Chinese government.
In a federal court proceeding this week, both Sun and her spouse, Christopher Hu, were indicted on multiple charges. Sun faces serious allegations, including violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), visa fraud, money laundering, the smuggling of undocumented immigrants, and conspiracy to engage in these illicit activities. Her husband is accused of facilitating her espionage efforts, particularly in financial matters, and has been charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, bank fraud, and identity misuse, which constitutes a form of identity theft.
The question arises as to how Sun managed to infiltrate the upper echelons of New York State government. Her political career commenced in 2012 when she took a position under then-Governor Andrew Cuomo, and it is suggested that her espionage activities began shortly thereafter. Reports from The Wall Street Journal indicate that her ascent within the political landscape was marked by a series of strategic moves that ultimately allowed her to gain access to sensitive governmental operations.
Prosecutors did not disclose the specifics of how Sun initially established contact with the Chinese government. According to the indictment, Sun and Chinese officials regularly communicated via the WeChat messaging platform, occasionally boasting about their efforts to halt meetings with Taiwanese representatives.
In a message to a Chinese official, Sun expressed her strong appreciation for her relationship with the consulate, stating that she had undertaken numerous initiatives to enhance the connection between the state and the consulate. The official responded by acknowledging Sun as the "most important hub connecting us" with Cuomo.
As the Covid-19 pandemic unfolded in 2020, prosecutors allege that Sun covertly kept Chinese officials updated on New York state's health measures. At one point, she allegedly added a Chinese official to a private conference call involving New York government officials regarding the pandemic, according to the prosecutors.
Over the course of the last twelve years, she has occupied multiple roles within the governor's office, demonstrating a significant degree of influence and responsibility. As a senior aide, her covert operations persisted under the administration of Governor Hochul. She engaged in the unauthorized facilitation of the illegal entry of numerous officials from the Chinese government by issuing letters of invitation, which were not sanctioned by any official authority. In a particularly egregious act, she forged Governor Hochul's signature on one of these letters, which were subsequently utilized to secure visas for personnel affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This series of actions constitutes what is legally defined as "alien smuggling."
Meanwhile, her husband was responsible for managing the substantial kickbacks received from the CCP in return for her espionage activities. He utilized his businesses in seafood export and financial consulting as vehicles for laundering the illicit funds provided by the Chinese government. Their extravagant lifestyle included a luxurious mansion on Long Island, a million-dollar condominium in Honolulu, and a high-end Ferrari Roma sports car. Additionally, they indulged in cultural experiences such as ballet tickets and even acquired specialty items like Nanjing-style salted ducks. The stark contrast between their opulent lifestyle and their reported incomes raises significant questions regarding the oversight of their financial activities, particularly the apparent inaction of the IRS over a span of twelve years.
This growing suspicion surrounding their activities has prompted Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, a Republican representative from New York, to call for an investigation into Governor Hochul and her seemingly indifferent approach toward the influence of the CCP. The implications of such allegations are serious, as they not only question the integrity of the governor's office but also highlight potential vulnerabilities in national security. The need for a thorough examination of these matters is critical, as it could reveal deeper connections and systemic issues that may have allowed such activities to persist unchecked for over a decade.
In a recent statement, Stefanik criticized Governor Kathy Hochul, a member of the Democratic Party, for allegedly permitting unrestricted access to high-ranking officials within New York State government by Linda Sun, who is accused of being a Chinese spy. He pointed to various actions taken by Hochul, such as the establishment of Chinese police stations and the continuation of a sister city relationship between New York City and Beijing, as indicative of a broader trend among New York Democrats to enable the influence operations of the Chinese Communist Party. Stefanik is advocating for a thorough investigation into Hochul and her administration, emphasizing the need for transparency for the hardworking taxpayers of New York.
The New York Post raised a critical question regarding Hochul's response to the situation, suggesting that she should be vocally demanding robust federal measures against Beijing. The article pointed out the gravity of the situation, noting that the presence of a Chinese agent within the Executive Chamber of New York State government should warrant immediate action, including the potential expulsion of key Chinese officials. This situation raises concerns about national security and the integrity of state governance, highlighting the expectation that state leaders should take a firm stance against foreign interference.
The call for an investigation into Hochul, alongside a strong condemnation of the Chinese Communist Party, reflects a growing unease within the Democratic Party regarding their connections to China. The embarrassment stemming from previous incidents involving prominent Democrats, such as Senator Dianne Feinstein and Congressman Eric Swalwell, has now extended to Hochul and former Governor Andrew Cuomo. This ongoing narrative of compromised officials poses a significant challenge for Democratic leaders, including Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden, who are likely eager to avoid further scrutiny of their party's handling of relations with China. The question remains as to how swiftly this issue will fade from public discourse.
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