Despite ex-aide's accusation of working for CCP, Hochul maintains confidence in state's vetting process.
Linda Sun's charges addressed by NY Gov. Kathy Hochul publicly.
Despite the recent arrest of her former aide, who was accused of acting on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul stated that she remains "confident" in the state's employee vetting program.
On Wednesday, Hochul spoke to reporters about the arrest of Linda Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, the previous day. Sun was charged with multiple offenses, including violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, committing visa fraud, smuggling aliens, and conspiring to launder money.
A resurfaced video from 2021 reveals that Sun had previously touted "equity" policies in her position as deputy chief of staff to Hochul. The video, titled "Women in Government Leadership Webinar," was presented by the New York chapter of the nonprofit Tzu Chi Foundation and was recorded on Dec. 16, 2021.
As a naturalized U.S. citizen born in China, Sun previously served under Hochul's predecessor, Andrew Cuomo.
"Hochul stated during a press conference on Wednesday that our background checks are of very high standards. Although they are time-consuming, they will go back to the level of people's kindergarten activities. Despite the lengthy and intense nature of our vetting process, I am confident in its effectiveness."
During an initial court appearance in Brooklyn on Tuesday afternoon, Sun and Hu entered not guilty pleas and were granted bond release.
"According to United States Attorney Breon Peace, the defendant, while serving as Deputy Chief of Staff within the New York State Executive Chamber, secretly worked to benefit the Chinese government and the CCP, amassing millions of dollars for her family through an illegal scheme."
The People's Republic of China's consulate and mission have been barred from having any contact with the Sun.
Jarrod Schaeffer, her defense lawyer, stated, "We eagerly anticipate addressing these charges in court. Our client is understandably distressed by the accusations."
Hu is accused of money laundering conspiracy, bank fraud conspiracy, and misusing identification.
"Hochul stated during the presser that she believes the Chinese government's behavior, as seen in their collaboration with Linda Sun, is unacceptable. She emphasized that this is a clear statement that they will not tolerate such behavior. Anyone representing that government must move on, she added."
Planet Chronicle' Andrea Vacchiano and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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