A former aide to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has been charged with advancing the interests of China while working in the New York State government, according to an indictment unsealed Tuesday. The federal indictment accuses Linda Sun (41) of failing to register as a foreign agent, visa fraud, alien smuggling, and money laundering conspiracy.
According to ABC News, Sun and her husband, Christopher Hu, were arrested at their Long Island home on Tuesday morning, following a July search by the FBI. Prosecutors from the Eastern District of New York allege that Hu facilitated the transfer of millions of dollars in kickbacks, benefiting from Sun’s actions on behalf of the Chinese government.
The indictment claims that, at the behest of Chinese officials and Chinese Communist Party representatives, Sun obstructed Taiwanese officials from engaging with high-level New York State officers, altered state messaging about China, and arranged meetings between Chinese delegations and New York State officials. In return, Sun allegedly received various benefits, including financial gains, travel perks, and even Nanjing-style salted ducks prepared by a Chinese official’s chef.
Sun’s alleged activities date back over a decade, during which time she served in various roles, including Deputy Commissioner for Strategic Business Development at the New York State Department of Labor and Deputy Chief of Staff under both Gov. Hochul and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Her employment was terminated in March 2023 after evidence of misconduct was uncovered, according to Avi Small, Hochul’s press secretary, who confirmed that the matter was immediately reported to law enforcement.
“As alleged, while appearing to serve the people of New York as Deputy Chief of Staff within the New York State Executive Chamber, the defendant and her husband actually worked to further the interests of the Chinese government and the CCP,” said United States Attorney Breon Peace. “The illicit scheme enriched the defendant’s family to the tune of millions of dollars.”
