Linda Sun, a former aide to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, faces serious legal charges as federal prosecutors allege her involvement in a scheme to advance Chinese interests while employed within the New York State government. An indictment unsealed on Tuesday charges Sun with multiple offenses, including failure to register as a foreign agent, visa fraud, alien smuggling, and conspiracy to launder money. Her husband, Christopher Hu, is accused of facilitation in the transfer of substantial kickbacks, further exacerbating the situation.
During a Brooklyn federal court arraignment, both Sun and Hu pleaded not guilty to the charges. Sun appeared in a black pantsuit and red blouse while Hu wore slacks and a light-colored dress shirt. The court was informed that Sun allegedly worked as an unregistered agent for China while in the administrations of both Andrew Cuomo and Hochul. Prosecutors argue that the couple used this influence to obstruct Taiwanese representatives from engaging with the state government and sought to manipulate public dealings with China to favor Chinese interests.
Evidence presented suggests that Sun and Hu manipulated over 80 accounts, with many documents and communications in Chinese, including a WeChat message in which Sun purportedly confirmed actions to improve China-U.S. relations. In their dealings, they allegedly acquired luxury properties, notably a $3.6 million home in Manhasset and a $1.9 million condo in Hawaii.
Sun is currently out on a $1.5 million bond, while Hu was released on a $500,000 bond. Both have been ordered to avoid contact with the Chinese consulate in New York, with another court appearance scheduled for September 25. In response to the charges, Sun’s attorneys expressed disappointment, calling the allegations “inflammatory” and an example of “overly aggressive prosecution.”
Sun was terminated from her role in the New York State Labor Department in March 2023 upon the discovery of potential misconduct, with Hochul’s administration noting their cooperation with law enforcement following the termination. During her tenure, Sun worked approximately 15 years in state government, holding key roles, such as Deputy Chief of Staff for Hochul and roles within Cuomo’s administration.
The indictment details that Sun allegedly acted at the behest of Chinese officials, blocking Taiwanese access to New York State leaders and manipulating state messaging about China. This included facilitating meetings between Chinese delegations and state officials, in return for various benefits, such as travel perks and business promotion links tied to her family and associates.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace emphasized the gravity of the situation, asserting that while holding a role intended to serve New Yorkers, Sun and her husband actively worked to benefit the Chinese government and Communist Party at the expense of national security and American interests.
Governor Hochul publicly denounced the allegations, describing them as “brazen” and “a betrayal of trust.” She confirmed that her administration had alerted federal authorities regarding the misconduct, stating, “The scope of what she was capable of doing was shocking.” The unfolding case underlines the complexities of foreign influence within government and the ongoing challenges in safeguarding national interests.
Source link
