Investigation Called to Assess Chinese Spy Damage, Root Out Any Other State Infiltrators
Stunned by the infiltration of a Chinese spy in the governor’s office, officials from across New York have called for an investigation to assess the damage caused by the spy’s activities and root out any other infiltrators.
"That the Chinese Communist Party infiltrated the highest levels of state government is surreal, completely unacceptable, and deeply unsettling,” said state Senator Jacob Ashby, the Ranking Member of the committee overseeing homeland security. “I'm urging my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in calling for a bipartisan commission to find out how this happened, how we can prevent future catastrophic security failures, and assist federal authorities in unmasking any other unregistered operatives of foreign governments to ensure they are brought to swift justice.”
Linda Sun, 41, a former deputy chief of staff in the administration of Andrew Cuomo and chief of staff under Gov. Kathy Hochul, was arrested by federal authorities on numerous charges, including conspiracy to act as an unregistered agent of a foreign government, visa and wire fraud, alien smuggling, and money laundering. She lived a lavish lifestyle in Manhasset with her husband, Chris Hu, 40, who was also charged.
“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,” stated United States Attorney 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.”
The federal indictment included a list of efforts Sun made on behalf of the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party, including blocking representatives of the Taiwanese government from having access to high-level state officers; changing the messaging of officials on issues of importance to the PRC and the CCP; obtaining official proclamations for PRC government representatives without proper authorization; attempting to facilitate a trip to the PRC by a high-level politician; and arranging meetings for visiting delegations from the PRC government with state government officials.
According to Senator Ashby, “Everything from hiring practices to security protocols to the governor's administrative chain of command must be examined. This is a critical national security issue, one that our oath of office binds us to treat with urgency and purpose.”
Senator Dean Murray agreed: “We need to find out exactly what happened and how much damage was done,” he said, adding that the investigation should also look at the possibility of other spies in state government. “It’s well known that China is buying up land near power plants, military installations, and farms. To what extent is that happening in New York? Are these strategic moves against our country? We have to find out what’s going on here.”
Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, the fourth highest ranking member of Congress, stated: “Failed Far Left Democrat Kathy Hochul allowed Communist Chinese spy Linda Sun unfettered access to the highest levels of New York State government. From allowing Chinese police stations, to maintaining a sister city partnership between NYC and Beijing, this is another example of New York Democrats facilitating the influence campaign of Communist China. I am calling for a complete investigation into Kathy Hochul and her administration so that hardworking New York taxpayers receive the transparency we deserve.”
“The administration is not doing a good job at all with the vetting process. People are coming into this country, and they have no idea who they are, especially with the illegal migrants,” said Senator Mario Mattera. “They don’t even have a handle on who’s working in the governor’s office.”
“The fact that an individual representing one of the most repressive nations in the world could rise to a high-ranking position in our state’s government should alarm all New Yorkers and serve as a warning to officials from both parties,” state Senator Daniel Stec stressed. “Failure to address this places the safety of millions of New Yorkers at risk.”
“We are requesting that the appropriate state legislative committees and the attorney general look into all of the federal allegations to determine how much of an impact this had on state government,” said Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano. “It’s incredible how deep they were able to infiltrate the executive office. We must ensure that no other spies are working against us in state government.”