California Political Operative Accused of Serving as Unregistered Chinese Agent, Says DOJ

Arrest of California Man for Alleged Espionage Ties to China

A resident of Chino Hills, California, has been taken into custody on charges of acting as an unauthorized agent for the People’s Republic of China (PRC). This individual also held the position of campaign manager for a local politician who secured election in 2022.

Details Surrounding the Arrest

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that 64-year-old Yaoning “Mike” Sun was apprehended on Thursday. He faces allegations not only for serving as an illegal agent but also for conspiring with Chen Jun, another individual who was sentenced to prison last November due to bribery and similar charges related to acting on behalf of the Chinese government.

According to a criminal complaint submitted in the U.S. District Court for California’s Central District, Sun managed the campaign for a Southern Californian politician referred to as “Individual 1.” This unnamed candidate successfully won a city council seat in 2022.

Collaboration During Campaigns

Sun and Chen maintained communication throughout the election process with aims to facilitate Individual 1’s victory.

In connection with this case, it is noteworthy that two residents from New York were recently implicated in operating an undisclosed Chinese police station—an incident described by officials as posing significant national security risks.

Post-Election Activities

Following Individual 1’s election victory in November 2022, Chen allegedly instructed Sun to compile a report detailing their electoral strategy and results. This document was subsequently forwarded to officials within the Chinese government, who reportedly expressed gratitude upon receiving it.

Less than a month after this event, Chen organized a lunch meeting at a restaurant in Rowland Heights involving Sun and other associates. Although Individual 1 did not attend this gathering, Chen characterized it as crucial by referring to attendees as part of their “core team” dedicated towards advancing their objectives.

In early January 2023, during further discussions about cultivating relationships within American politics, Chen directed Sun once again—to draft another report aimed at PRC officials regarding their efforts supporting Individual 1’s political journey.

Strategic Initiatives Proposed

As they continued strategizing within U.S. borders, Sun proposed participating in Fourth of July celebrations in Washington D.C., suggesting that such visibility could counteract what he termed “anti-China forces.”

This proposal came while they were finalizing plans related to their ongoing collaboration with PRC representatives—a move indicative of deeper ties between local political maneuvers and foreign influence operations.

Financial Requests and Future Plans

The complaint indicates that while pursuing these initiatives domestically, Sun sought financial backing from PRC sources amounting up to $80,000. Discussions between him and Chen included potential travel arrangements back to China where they intended meetings with higher-level leadership figures would take place; notably including plans involving interactions with China’s consul general based out of Los Angeles.

In August 2023—after several months filled with strategic planning—Sun along with Individual 1 reportedly traveled back into China under circumstances outlined by these ongoing investigations into foreign influence over American politics.

Potential Consequences

If convicted on charges relating specifically to his role as an illegal agent representing foreign interests against U.S laws or policies—Sun could face up ten years imprisonment alongside additional penalties stemming from conspiracy-related offenses which may add five more years behind bars if found guilty.

This case highlights growing concerns regarding foreign interference within domestic political processes—a topic increasingly scrutinized amid rising geopolitical tensions globally.

For those interested in following developments surrounding this story or similar cases impacting national security matters across America—the DOJ continues its vigilant monitoring efforts aimed at safeguarding democratic integrity against external influences.