Former Aide to NY Governors Accused of Acting for Chinese Government

A former New York state official, Linda Sun, who served under both ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo and current Gov. Kathy Hochul, was charged on Tuesday with acting as an undisclosed agent for the Chinese government. Federal prosecutors revealed this in a detailed indictment. Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, were arrested at their USD 3.5 million Long Island home.

Sun allegedly blocked Taiwanese representatives from accessing high-level New York officials and aligned state messaging with Chinese government priorities. She also attempted to arrange a trip to China for a prominent New York politician. Hu faces charges of money laundering conspiracy, bank fraud conspiracy, and misuse of identification.

The couple reportedly received benefits such as assistance for Hu's China-based business activities and tickets to performances by Chinese cultural groups. Additionally, a Chinese official's chef prepared "Nanjing-style salted ducks" for Sun's parents, according to the indictment.

Financial Misconduct

The indictment states that the couple laundered their financial gains to purchase properties and luxury items. They bought their Manhasset home, a USD 1.9 million condominium in Hawaii, and a 2024 Ferrari with these proceeds. "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.

Sun's LinkedIn profile indicates she worked in state government for about 15 years, holding various positions in Cuomo's administration before becoming Hochul's deputy chief of staff. In November 2022, she joined the New York Department of Labor as deputy commissioner for strategic business development but left in March 2023.

Official Responses

A spokesperson for Hochul's office stated that Sun was fired after evidence of misconduct was discovered. "This individual was hired by the Executive Chamber more than a decade ago. We terminated her employment in March 2023 after discovering evidence of misconduct, immediately reported her actions to law enforcement and have assisted law enforcement throughout this process," read the statement.

The FBI searched Sun and Hu's Manhasset home in late July but did not release details at that time. The couple lives in a gated community called Stone Hill on Long Island. They purchased their house in 2021 but placed it in a trust earlier this year.

Sun and Hu are expected to make their initial court appearance on Tuesday afternoon. A spokesman for Cuomo did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. A lawyer for Sun, Seth DuCharme, also did not return an email seeking comment.

The case highlights significant concerns about foreign influence within state governments and underscores the importance of vigilance against such activities.