Sue Mi Terry Arrested: Uncovering a Decade of Covert Operations for South Korea
Sue Mi Terry speaking at New America's Future of War Conference in 2018 via Wiki
An Engaging Tale of Espionage: The Arrest of Sue Mi Terry
In a dramatic turn of events, Sue Mi Terry, 54, of New York, New York, was arrested on charges related to acting as an unregistered agent for the government of South Korea. The indictment reveals a complex web of covert operations, luxury inducements, and high-level intelligence activities spanning over a decade.
The Allegations
Sue Mi Terry, a former U.S. government official, is accused of secretly working for the Republic of Korea (ROK) without registering as a foreign agent, as mandated by the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). Directed by ROK government officials, Terry is alleged to have advocated for ROK policies, leaked non-public U.S. government information, and facilitated access for ROK officials to influential U.S. figures. In return, she reportedly received luxury goods, lavish dinners, and over $37,000 in funding for a public policy program under her control.
A Storied Career and a Double Life
Terry's career in the U.S. government was distinguished, serving from 2001 to 2011 in positions including an analyst for the CIA and Director for Korea, Japan, and Oceanic Affairs at the White House National Security Council. Post-2011, she transitioned to academia and think tanks, where she continued to influence policy discussions on Korean affairs.
Terry's impressive academic background includes a B.A. in political science from New York University and a Ph.D. in international relations from Tufts University's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. She held positions at esteemed institutions such as the Council on Foreign Relations, where she served as a Senior Fellow for Korea Studies.
However, beneath this respectable facade, Terry allegedly operated as a covert agent for the ROK National Intelligence Service (NIS). Her interactions included passing sensitive information during off-the-record meetings and hosting events where ROK intelligence officers posed as diplomats to mingle with U.S. officials and staff undetected.
Unveiling the Operations
The indictment details several key incidents, including a 2022 meeting where Terry passed handwritten notes from a private session with a U.S. Secretary-level official to her ROK NIS handler. The handler, disguised under diplomatic cover, photographed the notes while still in the car. Terry also organized events ostensibly for her think tank, funded by the ROK NIS, to provide ROK intelligence officers access to U.S. Congressional staff. Luxury items, such as a $2,950 Bottega Veneta handbag, a $3,450 Louis Vuitton handbag, and a $2,845 Dolce & Gabbana coat, along with expensive meals at Michelin-starred restaurants, were among the rewards she received for her services.
Legal Implications
Charged with one count of conspiracy to violate FARA and one count of failure to register under FARA, Terry faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The case, investigated by the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division and New York Field Office, underscores the serious consequences of violating federal transparency laws
Upholding Transparency and National Security
The arrest of Sue Mi Terry highlights the critical importance of transparency in international relations and public policy. The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) ensures that individuals acting on behalf of foreign governments disclose their activities, enabling the U.S. government and its citizens to evaluate foreign influence in domestic affairs.
Maintaining the integrity of governmental processes and safeguarding national security are paramount. Adherence to FARA regulations is essential to preserving the trust and effectiveness of our democratic institutions. By staying informed and vigilant, we contribute to protecting our nation’s interests and ensuring accountability for those who seek to influence our policies. For more details on the indictment and to stay updated on this developing story, visit Info Decon.
References
United States Attorney's Office Southern District of New York: Indictment Details
