Chinese spies, Konnech, Elections, and USPS all center in one place: CALIFORNIA
Today’s Indictment against Mike Sun is HUGE
The indictment details a criminal complaint filed by the United States against Yaoning Sun, also known as “Mike Sun” and “Yuening Sun,” for conspiring and acting as an illegal agent of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The complaint, filed in the Central District of California on December 17, 2024, charges Sun with violations of federal statutes, including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered foreign agent.
This will be a ride, so prepare to delve into the IC world. Background is needed to unravel this ball of inception, and connections are now evident.
Sun, who served as the campaign manager for a local politician called “Individual 1,” has a military background in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and managed a media outlet called the U.S. News Center. He collaborated with John Chen, a confirmed CCP agent with ties to high-ranking PRC officials, including President Xi Jinping. Chen has already pleaded guilty to acting as an illegal agent and bribing a public official.
Sun and Chen worked to influence Southern California politicians, particularly regarding Taiwan policy, by submitting reports to the United Front Work Department (UFWD) and requesting $80,000 in funding to support pro-PRC activities. Their actions included efforts to obstruct Falun Gong practitioners and organize events to promote PRC narratives. To conceal their activities, Chen instructed Sun to delete chat histories and avoid traceable communication. Needless to say, Sun violated U.S. law by failing to register as a foreign agent with the Attorney General, which is required for starters, but the indictment gets interesting.
The case highlights a deliberate effort by the PRC to infiltrate and influence U.S. local politics, promoting positions favorable to the CCP while suppressing opposition. It underscores the broader threat of foreign interference and the critical need for vigilance against covert influence operations in the United States but also gives us a peak at a family of Politicians who were allegedly working with the PRC in the district of the first-ever Congressperson who is Chinese American and has been in office since 2009 many people have NEVER heard of.
EVER HEARD OF JUDY CHU?
Judy May Chu, born on July 7, 1953, in Los Angeles, California, is a Democrat serving as the U.S. Representative for California’s 28th Congressional District since 2009. With a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from UCLA and a Doctorate in Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, Chu has dedicated over 30 years to public service, focusing on education, civil rights, and healthcare. Term limits are really necessary.
Throughout her career, Chu has held various positions, including Mayor and Councilmember of Monterey Park, where she prioritized local business development and infrastructure improvements. She became the first Asian-American woman elected to the California State Assembly, where she worked on education reform and healthcare access, and later served on the California State Board of Equalization, overseeing tax policy. She made history as the first Chinese American woman elected to Congress, breaking barriers for Asian American representation in U.S. politics.
Chu is a vocal advocate for comprehensive immigration reform, protections for undocumented immigrants under programs like DACA, and the fight against anti-Asian violence, particularly during the pandemic. She supports universal healthcare, expansion of the Affordable Care Act, and increased funding for community health centers. In education, she champions student loan forgiveness and affordable college initiatives for low-income families. Her efforts in infrastructure include securing federal funding for transportation and public transit in Los Angeles County. Additionally, she is committed to environmental protection, advocating for renewable energy and opposing oil drilling in California.
Allegations of ties to organizations linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) have been raised, although no direct evidence has implicated her, and she attributes these claims to racial bias. Conservatives also challenge her progressive positions on immigration, gun control, and taxation, though she remains firmly aligned with liberal policies.
Married to former California State Assemblymember Mike Eng, Chu is deeply involved in the Asian-American community, consistently advocating for civil rights and more excellent representation, including DEI. Please bookmark this in your mind. Chu has proactively promoted these principles regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). As Chair of CAPAC, she has led initiatives urging major corporations to reaffirm their commitment to DEI practices, particularly concerning Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.
In the indictment, Chen described Individual 1 and Sun as part of a “basic team dedicated to us,” suggesting deep involvement with PRC interests. Bottom up?
Tangled Threads of Influence: Investigating Political Connections and International Impacts
When local politics intersect with international influence, the resulting narratives become tangled with complexities, power dynamics, and strategic maneuvering. A recent criminal complaint against Yaoning Sun, also known as “Mike Sun,” sheds light on these intersections, alleging that Sun conspired and acted as an illegal agent of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The case highlights a broader effort by foreign operatives to infiltrate Southern California politics, with Sun allegedly working to influence local leaders and secure Beijing’s interests. At the center of these allegations is Eileen Wang, a prominent City Council Member in Arcadia, California, whose role in this unfolding case demands scrutiny.
Eileen Wang DISTRICT 3 LA County Supervisor Identified
Eileen Wang is a well-respected community leader and educator, having lived in Arcadia for over 17 years. She has actively contributed to civic life through her involvement with organizations like the Arcadia Rotary Club, Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, and the Arcadia Lions Club. Her passion for education is evident in her long-standing ownership of Tutorial Services in Arcadia, which she has run for over 15 years, demonstrating her dedication to the community’s academic and personal development.
In 2022, Wang made history by being elected to represent District 3 on the Arcadia City Council, becoming one of the first Asian American women to serve on the council. Her election also marked a significant moment as the council became majority female for the first time. Since her election, Wang has focused on issues such as public safety, financial accountability, and quality-of-life improvements for Arcadia residents. She has organized cultural events and collaborated with local law enforcement and fire agencies to address pressing community concerns.
In April 2024, Wang received the Congressional Women of the Year Award from U.S. Representative Judy Chu, a recognition of her contributions to public service and community development.
The Allegations Against Wang
According to a criminal complaint filed in the Central District of California, Yaoning Sun, who served as Wang’s campaign manager during her 2022 city council campaign, allegedly conspired to act as an illegal agent for the PRC. Sun is accused of collaborating with John Chen, a known CCP operative, to influence Southern California politics in favor of Beijing’s strategic goals. The allegations include Sun and Chen submitting reports to the PRC’s United Front Work Department (UFWD), requesting $80,000 to fund activities promoting pro-PRC narratives, and discrediting groups such as Falun Gong practitioners.
The affidavit further describes Wang’s involvement, alleging that Sun leveraged his role in her campaign to influence her policy positions and strengthen PRC interests locally. While Wang herself has not been charged with any wrongdoing, her connection to Sun, described as a central figure in this influence operation, along with strong ties to Judy Chu and Michael Antonovich’s proximity, allowed AP to identify her. Still, I think there is MORE TO THIS.
The complaint identifies Sun as having worked closely with “Individual 1,” Wang, during her 2022 campaign. Sun’s military background in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and his communication with high-ranking CCP officials, including John Chen, suggest a calculated effort to infiltrate and sway local governance. As a council member representing a district with a significant Chinese American population, Wang’s position would have been of strategic interest to PRC operatives seeking to influence local and state policies.
Reports from the affidavit indicate that Sun and Chen described Wang as part of their “basic team” in communications with Beijing. They also detailed efforts to embed pro-China narratives into local politics by organizing community events and attempting to discredit opposing groups. The alleged activities included targeting Falun Gong practitioners and securing funding to expand their influence across Southern California’s political landscape.
BACKSTORY – CHEN – SUN and MICHAEL
Chen, on his own, admitted he worked for 610. The 610 Office is an extralegal organization established by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on June 10, 1999, under the direction of then-Party Secretary Jiang Zemin. Its primary purpose is to oversee and execute the persecution of Falun Gong, a spiritual practice that the CCP declared illegal and labeled as a “threat” to its authority. The name “610 Office” comes from the date of its creation (June 10), and it is a secretive and decentralized network with branches at the national, provincial, city, and local levels throughout China and International “Chinese Police Stations” (like the one in NYC). This faction is supervised by the Political and Legal Affairs Commission (PLAC), a powerful CCP body responsible for law enforcement, judiciary, and domestic security.
Michael D. Antonovich and WHY he is important
The affidavit mentions that the PRC officials were interested in influencing a former supervisor and potentially leveraging their connections to a current county supervisor. The former supervisor would be Michael D. Antonovich. The individual was described as “friendly to China” and someone CHEN planned to meet upon returning to the U.S. in late 2022.
Given his long tenure representing the San Gabriel Valley—an area with a large Chinese American population—and his history of community engagement, Michael D. Antonovich is a strong candidate for the “Former L.A. County Supervisor” referenced in the affidavit. His connections with Chinese American organizations and his past involvement in multicultural and international initiatives align with the context of the case. Being married to Christine Hu a Chinese American who is very open about her influence in China and gets paid top dollar to help businesses seeking to do business in China or with China.
The San Gabriel Valley, a key area in Antonovich’s district, has long been a focal point for Chinese diaspora communities and, by extension, a strategic target for CCP influence operations. The CCP, through its United Front Work Department (UFWD), has historically sought to engage local politicians in regions with significant Chinese-American populations. These influence campaigns often use cultural diplomacy and soft power initiatives to promote pro-China narratives while masking political objectives. Antonovich’s strong connections to these communities, his wife’s heritage, and community involvement likely made him an appealing figure for such efforts.
Antonovich’s economic advocacy further cemented his relationship with China. As a trade champion, he frequently supported policies encouraging Chinese investment in Southern California, participating in trade missions, and fostering economic partnerships. While these efforts boosted local businesses, they aligned with Beijing’s long-term strategy of deepening economic integration to expand its global influence.
Antonovich’s marriage to Christine Hu brought additional attention to his ties to the Chinese American community. At the same time, no evidence implicates Christine Hu in any CCP-related activities, her connections to civic groups and her Taiwanese heritage added to the perception of Antonovich’s accessibility to Chinese American networks. The CCP has been known to exploit familial and social relationships to build influence indirectly, raising questions about whether Antonovich’s connections were ever leveraged in this way. NOW WE KNOW.
usa_v_sun_complaintOn October 9, 2022, CHEN sent PRC Government Official 2 the name and picture of a local politician, writing “Former L.A. County Supervisor. Friendly to China. Will chat with him and his wife when back.” PRC Government Official 2 responded, “Ok thanks. I will communicate several things all together in a few days, to gauge the level of attention.” – INDICTMENT 17DEC24
Kathryn Barger, the current Los Angeles County Supervisor for the 5th District, is a highly influential political figure whose personal and professional connections further amplify her prominence. Her leadership in one of California’s most significant supervisorial districts, her family background, and her marriage all contribute to her position as a potential target for foreign influence operations via fellow County Supervisor and Congress.
Barger has held the role of Supervisor since 2016, succeeding her long-time mentor and former boss, Michael D. Antonovich, after serving as his Chief Deputy for several years. This connection to Antonovich, who was deeply involved in outreach to various ethnic communities, including Chinese American groups, creates a legacy that foreign operatives, such as those described in the criminal complaint, might see as an opportunity to exploit.
Her influence extends beyond her official capacity due to her family’s prominence and connections. Kathryn Barger’s husband, Eric Leibrich, is a former Sheriff’s Department official who was influential in public safety and law enforcement within Los Angeles County. His extensive network within the county’s law enforcement community provides Kathryn with additional reach into critical local and state systems. This connection enhances her overall influence on policy and governance, particularly in areas like public safety, where her decisions directly impact local and regional law enforcement operations.
Kathryn Barger’s family background adds another layer of influence. Her father, Richard Barger, was a prominent attorney and a key figure in California politics, serving as California Insurance Commissioner during Ronald Reagan’s governorship. Richard Barger’s role placed him at the forefront of regulatory and political decision-making, and his reputation as a trusted figure in the state’s political ecosystem undoubtedly paved the way for Kathryn’s rise in public service. His influence likely fostered connections that extended into political and business communities, further solidifying the Barger family’s standing in California politics.
USPS and MAIL-IN BALLOTS
Adding to the family’s prominence, President Donald Trump appointed John Barger, Kathryn’s brother, to the United States Postal Service (USPS) Board of Governors. His tenure on the board coincided with critical moments in U.S. political history, including the 2020 presidential election, during which mail-in voting became a contentious and highly scrutinized issue. John Barger was involved in key decisions surrounding election mail and in selecting Louis DeJoy as Postmaster General, a move that drew significant public attention.
As a USPS Board of Governors member, Barger was directly involved in overseeing decisions critical to the integrity of election mail. His role in such a high-stakes position reflects his continued influence in shaping national policies and regulatory frameworks. This appointment also underscores the Barger family’s deep connections to state and federal power structures, extending Kathryn Barger’s sphere of influence well beyond her supervisorial district.
Barger’s presence on the USPS Board and Kathryn Barger’s leadership in the 5th Supervisorial District create a compelling network of political reach. The district, which includes regions with significant Chinese American populations like the San Gabriel Valley, aligns with areas the PRC has historically targeted for influence operations. Given the PRC’s documented interest in U.S. election infrastructure and local governance, the combination of Kathryn Barger’s role as Supervisor and her father’s high-profile federal appointment during the Trump administration presents a unique and potentially attractive target for foreign operatives seeking to leverage influence in U.S. politics. Let’s not forget KONNECH!
RELATED: LA County drops charges against election software executive, citing ‘potential bias’
I always wondered why the filings were done in LA COUNTY for KONNECH CEO and dropped. Allow me to tie this together. The specific individuals who signed the contract between Los Angeles County and Konnech are not publicly disclosed in the available sources. Typically, such contracts are executed by authorized representatives from the county and the company, often involving officials from the county’s procurement or elections departments and executives from the company. In this case, the contract was a five-year agreement valued at $2.9 million, under which Konnech was to provide election worker management software for Los Angeles County.
While Eugene Yu, as CEO of Konnech, would have had significant involvement in the agreement, the exact signatories are not specified in the available information. One would typically need to access public records or official contract documents from Los Angeles County’s procurement office for precise details. We don’t need their names to sign it because the LA County Board of Supervisors would have approved a contract of this size and importance and dictated the servers.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved the contract between Los Angeles County and Konnech on October 13, 2020.
“Web-Server Hosting: As used herein, the term shall mean system operation at a physical location that houses the dedicated servers, hardware, and networks for the Poll Chief and provides direct Web access to the internet, as further specified in Exhibit A (Statement of Work).”
149373The contract, identified as Contract #20-003, was a sole source agreement for the Poll Chief Election Management Application Support and Services. The term of the contract was set for three years, with two one-year extension options, making it a potential five-year agreement. The total contract sum over the potential maximum term was $2,645,000, with an estimated cost breakdown of $685,000 for FY 2020-21 and $490,000 for each subsequent fiscal year through FY 2024-25. The contract became effective upon execution and was intended to ensure the continued use of the Poll Chief software for organizing and administering elections in Los Angeles County.
It was BILL KEHOE who let that happen. In other words, he allowed the CCP to obtain election data through LA COUNTY, where CCP influence is heavy, and he was promoted to head Washington State’s Technology Solutions in August of 2021. Inslee’s ties with China are a whole other story, but he hired the man who…. wait for it.
To make everyone just a bit madder, the LA COUNTY SUPERVISORS—the ones that are CCP-driven—agreed to pay $5 million to the founder and CEO of Konnech, who was briefly accused of stealing data on county poll workers in a case he said was pushed by conspiracy theorists that turns out not to be a conspiracy in 2024.
The Board of Supervisors voted without public discussion to approve the settlement of a lawsuit filed by Eugene Yu of Michigan-based Konnech Corp. over his 2022 arrest and prosecution.
Konnech and Election Data Vulnerabilities
A critical aspect of this story is the involvement of Konnech, a Michigan-based election software company contracted by Los Angeles County. The company’s CEO, Eugene Yu, was briefly accused of stealing data on county poll workers, allegedly linked to CCP influence operations. While the charges were dropped, the case raised significant concerns about the security of U.S. election infrastructure. The contract between Konnech and LA County was approved by the Board of Supervisors, who mandated that election data be stored on servers accessible to the county and connected to the internet—a decision that some argue exposed vulnerabilities to foreign interference.
Eugene Yu, the CEO of Konnech, may have unknowingly been swept into the broader scheme of PRC influence operations due to his heritage and business dealings. While accusations against him centered on alleged links to CCP activities, there is a possibility that he was unfairly targeted based on assumptions. Investigations by True the Vote suggest that Yu’s role may have been incidental, with the real issue lying in the systemic vulnerabilities within Los Angeles County’s election infrastructure. Specifically, Bill Kehoe, the then-Chief Information Officer, approved storing sensitive election data on servers accessible via the Internet. This decision inadvertently exposed critical election information to potential exploitation. True the Vote’s findings indicate that their scrutiny may have intersected with ongoing federal investigations into Los Angeles County’s potential ties to PRC influence, revealing how the infrastructure—not individuals like Yu—may have enabled breaches that raised alarms. This could be why they were arrested to give their source, as this investigation has been ongoing since 2015, focusing on Antonovich all the way through until today with this article. \
TRUE THE VOTE
True the Vote’s claims and the ensuing controversy over the unnamed “hacker” reveal deeper, interconnected layers of intrigue that extend beyond the surface accusations against Eugene Yu and Konnech. The hacker, who remains unidentified, provided Gregg Phillips and Catherine Engelbrecht with information that True the Vote used to allege election meddling tied to China. However, they may have stumbled upon not an isolated breach but instead evidence connected to an ongoing investigation into Los Angeles County supervisors and their potential involvement in PRC-linked activities.
This investigation, which links figures like Kathryn Barger, her brother John Barger on the USPS Board, former Supervisor Michael Antonovich, and current Arcadia City Council member Eileen Wang, highlights a broader narrative of influence operations. Michael Antonovich’s connections to Chinese-American networks, Wang’s campaign allegedly influenced by PRC operatives, and Judy Chu’s proximity to these activities create a web of political entanglement. The focus on Eugene Yu by True the Vote, bolstered by their controversial 2000 Mules narrative, may have inadvertently exposed this larger scheme.
The lawsuit against True the Vote alleges defamation and hacking, but the real story is the sensitive data they accessed, which appears to tie back to the LA County Supervisors’ election systems and infrastructure vulnerabilities. Bill Kehoe, as the county’s former Chief Information Officer, allowed election data to be stored on internet-accessible servers, a decision that exposed critical information. This data may have formed the foundation of the broader PRC-linked influence strategies under scrutiny, and True the Vote’s actions may have prematurely uncovered evidence tied to federal investigations. My knowledge of the unnamed “hacker” and their methods gives me insight into how this breach intersects with deeper probes into county leadership, their Chinese ties, and the influence of figures like Judy Chu, who have operated in these overlapping spheres. This revelation suggests that True the Vote inadvertently stepped into a far more significant story that implicates power dynamics at the county, state, and federal levels and what happens when you accidentally fall into a STING OPERATION.
China didn’t orchestrate the theft of our elections. Instead, they leveraged their influence to monitor and record sensitive election data in Los Angeles County, solidifying their grip on the political landscape. By gathering this data, they aimed to ensure their “people” did or voted as directed, reinforcing their control and influence over key regions. From their front-row seat, they observed the manipulation of our electoral processes, positioning themselves strategically to benefit from the outcomes.
Judy Chu’s Possible Role as wingman
As the investigation into Yaoning Sun expands, another figure of interest is Judy Chu, U.S. Representative for California’s 28th Congressional District, which overlaps with Arcadia. Chu’s longstanding involvement in Chinese American community events and her history of supporting cultural and civic initiatives place her in proximity to the alleged activities described in the complaint. While no direct evidence links Chu to illegal activities, her prominence and influence within the same region raise questions about her potential role in the network described by investigators.
Critics have noted Chu’s connections to organizations such as the China Overseas Exchange Association, which has ties to the UFWD, although Chu has consistently denied any allegations of CCP influence. Whether Chu knowingly participated in pro-PRC activities or was unknowingly drawn into these efforts remains unclear.
The Strategic Importance of Arcadia and Southern California
Arcadia’s large Chinese American population and political significance make it a critical area for influence operations. Regions like Arcadia and the San Gabriel Valley are home to vibrant immigrant communities that PRC operatives often seek to exploit to embed narratives favorable to Beijing. These communities serve as a fertile ground for the PRC’s United Front Work Department, which aims to influence foreign political systems through cultural diplomacy, financial incentives, and community outreach.
The allegations against Sun and his associates reveal a deliberate strategy to exploit these dynamics, using local leaders like Eileen Wang and or Kathryn Barger to amplify their reach and create pathways for further influence.
Wang’s connection to Yaoning Sun raises serious questions about the vulnerabilities in local governance. The allegations underscore the PRC’s broader strategy of infiltrating U.S. political systems, leveraging community leaders, and embedding pro-China narratives at the grassroots level. Although Wang has not been charged with any crime yet, her association with Sun places her at the center of an ongoing investigation that could have significant implications for U.S.-China relations, domestic election integrity and NATIONAL SECURITY.
My OP-ED from years ago has proven accurate as each day passes without impeding ongoing investigations. Infiltration comes in many forms.
OP-ED: CHINESE COMPANY KONNECH FUNDED BY DOD – Tore Says
This article sheds light on the depths of China’s infiltration strategies. During my time in Washington, D.C., this week, I finally uncovered astonishing evidence of an unexpected mode of Chinese infiltration that spans federal, state, military, and other government institutions. These entities have embraced and actively implemented policies and software developed and refined in China over the past 30 years, designed to function as powerful tools of influence and control. It’s genius.
I’ve been investigating this story since 2009, and I aim to have the full details in your hands by Monday.
God Bless America!
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