Linda Sun, a longtime aide to former New York governors Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo, has been charged with operating as an agent for the Chinese government, according to a federal indictment unsealed on Tuesday. The indictment accuses Sun of a range of criminal activities, including visa fraud, money laundering, and violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, as she allegedly used her influential positions to further the interests of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Sun, who served as deputy chief of staff for both Hochul and Cuomo, allegedly acted on behalf of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for years, covertly facilitating communications between New York state officials and Chinese government representatives. Federal prosecutors claim Sun used her access to sensitive information to influence the public remarks of the governors, block communications from the Taiwanese government, and provide the PRC with privileged access to New York State government communications.
The indictment also implicates Sun’s husband, Chris Hu, in the conspiracy, accusing him of facilitating the transfer of millions of dollars in kickbacks from the PRC. The couple allegedly used these funds to purchase luxury properties and cars, including a $3.6 million parcel in Manhasset, New York, and a $1.9 million condominium in Honolulu, Hawaii. Prosecutors assert that their extravagant spending far exceeded their reported income, with Hu allegedly receiving over $2.1 million from a PRC-based account shortly before making the purchases.
Sun and Hu pleaded not guilty to all charges during their arraignment in Brooklyn federal court on Tuesday. Sun’s attorney, Jarrod Schaeffer, dismissed the charges as “inflammatory” and criticized the government’s investigation as “overly aggressive.” Both defendants were released on bail, with Sun’s bond set at $1.5 million and Hu’s at $500,000.
Timeline of Alleged Crimes
The indictment details a timeline of Sun’s alleged activities, beginning in 2012 when she joined Cuomo’s administration as director of Asian American affairs. Over the following years, Sun allegedly engaged in a series of communications with PRC officials, including informing them about the exclusion of Taiwan from key events and helping a PRC delegation gain unauthorized entry into the U.S.
In 2020, while serving as Cuomo’s deputy chief diversity officer, Sun allegedly gave a Chinese official access to a private state government call discussing New York’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and rising hate crimes against Asian Americans. Prosecutors claim this action violated the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
Sun’s alleged efforts to support the PRC continued into 2021, when she reportedly worked to prevent mention of China’s mass detention of Uyghur Muslims in then-Lieutenant Governor Hochul’s speeches. Despite pushback from Hochul’s speechwriter, Sun allegedly succeeded in removing any reference to the Uyghur situation.
Governor Hochul and Cuomo React
Governor Hochul condemned Sun’s alleged actions, describing them as a “betrayal of trust” that left her “furious” and “shocked.” Hochul stated that Sun was fired in 2023 after the governor’s office uncovered misconduct and alerted authorities. Hochul emphasized that Sun had worked less than two years in her administration.
Former Governor Cuomo’s spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, also denounced Sun’s alleged behavior, emphasizing the importance of national security being free from foreign influence. Azzopardi noted that during Cuomo’s tenure, Sun was a community liaison with limited interaction with the governor.
The case against Linda Sun underscores growing concerns about foreign interference in U.S. politics and government. If convicted, Sun and her husband face severe penalties, including significant prison time for their alleged roles in advancing the interests of the Chinese government.