A former top aide to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Linda Sun, was arrested on Tuesday on federal charges of being an undisclosed agent of China and the Chinese Communist Party, as well as laundering millions of dollars for China. Sun, who previously held various state government positions including deputy chief of staff to Governor Hochul, was charged with violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, alien smuggling, and money laundering conspiracy.
Her husband, Chris Hu, was also arrested on charges related to money laundering conspiracy, bank fraud conspiracy, and misuse of means of identification. The couple was taken into custody by FBI agents at their home on Long Island and is set to appear in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn.
According to prosecutors, Sun and Hu used the proceeds of their alleged illicit activities to buy a $4.1 million home in Manhasset, Long Island, a $2.1 million condominium in Honolulu, as well as luxury vehicles including a 2024 Ferrari. The indictment alleges that Sun, while working in the governor’s office under both Governor Hochul and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, acted as an undisclosed agent for the People’s Republic of China.
She reportedly engaged in political activities at the request of Chinese government officials and the CCP, such as blocking representatives of the Taiwanese government from accessing the New York governor’s office, influencing messaging on China-related issues, and arranging meetings between PRC delegations and NYS government officials. In return, Sun allegedly received significant economic and other benefits from the Chinese government and the Communist Party.
Despite these serious allegations, lawyers for Sun and Hu have not responded to requests for comment on the indictment. Governor Hochul’s press secretary confirmed that Sun was employed by the Executive Chamber for over a decade and was terminated in March 2023 after evidence of misconduct was discovered. Sun had held various government positions from 2012 until her termination in 2023.
The implications of this case on the political landscape and potential national security risks are significant. It underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in government positions, especially when it comes to foreign influences. As the legal proceedings unfold, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the extent of Sun and Hu’s alleged activities and their potential impact on the state’s operations.
