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A Southern California political operative who was the campaign manager for a winning city council election has been arrested on federal charges of acting as an illegal foreign agent on behalf of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
Yaoning “Mike” Sun, 64, of Chino Hills, is scheduled to make his first court appearance Thursday. It is not immediately clear whether he has a lawyer.
He is also suspected of colluding with Chen Jun, who was sentenced last month to 20 months in prison on charges of acting as a foreign agent and bribery.
Mr. Son is suspected of contacting Mr. Chen to discuss the candidate’s campaign. The location of the City Council election is not available and the candidate is identified as “Individual 1” in the federal complaint.
“The complaint alleges that Mr. Chen discussed with Chinese government officials how China could ‘influence’ local politicians in the United States, particularly regarding the issue of Taiwan,” the complaint said. , said a press release issued Thursday by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District. California.
According to authorities, Mr. Son prepared two reports at Mr. Chen’s direction and sent them to Chinese government officials. In a draft of the second report, the complaint says, “I am most proud of coordinating and organizing a team to win election for City Council candidates during the 2022 U.S. midterm elections.” ” he boasted. [Individual 1]”
If convicted of both charges, he could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison.
“This incident highlights the extent of China’s persistent intelligence and negative operations targeting the United States,” said Akil Davis, deputy director of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office. “The FBI will continue to work freely to identify Chinese intelligence operations, disrupt China’s information laundering networks, and bring to justice those who seek to engage in criminal conspiracies that undermine the integrity of elected officials.” I will continue to use every tool at my disposal.”
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