According to the indictment, the employee, Linda Sun, actively used her influence to support China and the Chinese Communist Party, and to counteract contacts between Taiwan and New York.
According to the prosecutor's office, Sun and her husband "have enriched themselves with millions of dollars through the illegal cooperation."
Federal prosecutor Breon Peace said that "national security was threatened" by her actions.
In return for her services, including serving as chief of staff to Governor Kathy Hochul, the couple allegedly received help to buy a property worth approximately 50 million kronor, an apartment in Hawaii, a Ferrari, and were served a salted duck in Nanjing style by an official Chinese chef.
The couple denies any wrongdoing. China's Foreign Ministry said it does not comment on American domestic affairs, but opposes "all malicious associations or slander against China."
