Linda Sun, a former aide to New York Governors Andrew Cuomo and Kathy Hochul, was arrested and charged on Tuesday (September 3) with acting as an undisclosed agent of the Chinese government. The charges were revealed in a comprehensive indictment by federal prosecutors. Sun's husband, Chris Hu, was also arrested and faces charges of money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and misuse of means of identification.
Sun, 41, held numerous posts in New York state government, including the position of deputy chief of staff for Governor Hochul. According to the indictment, Sun allegedly blocked representatives of the Taiwanese government from accessing the governor’s office, attempted to align New York governmental messaging with the priorities of the Chinese government, and tried to facilitate a trip to China for a high-level New York politician.
In return for her actions, Sun and her husband allegedly received benefits including assistance for Hu’s business activities in China, tickets to performances by visiting Chinese orchestra and ballet groups, and culinary gifts prepared by a Chinese government official’s personal chef. The couple is also accused of laundering the financial proceeds to purchase properties and luxury cars, including a 2024 Ferrari.
"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. The illicit scheme enriched the defendant’s family to the tune of millions of dollars," U.S. Attorney Breon Peace stated.
Sun was fired from Hochul's office in March 2023 after evidence of misconduct was discovered. The administration reported her actions to law enforcement and has been assisting with the investigation. Sun and Hu are expected to make their initial court appearance soon.