Former New York Governors’ Aide Accused of Acting as Agent for China

A former top aide to New York Governors Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo has been charged with acting as an agent of the Chinese government, raising concerns about potential Chinese influence at high levels of state government.

At a Glance

Linda Sun, a former deputy chief of staff, faces 10 criminal counts including acting as an unregistered foreign agent and money laundering.
Sun allegedly blocked Taiwanese officials’ access to the governor’s office and aligned New York’s messaging with Chinese priorities.
In exchange, Sun and her husband reportedly received millions in kickbacks, luxury goods, and business assistance in China.
The case is part of a broader Justice Department effort to counter Chinese covert operations in the U.S.

Charges Against Linda Sun

Linda Sun, a 40-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen born in China, was arrested on September 3, 2024, at her $4 million home on Long Island. She faces 10 criminal counts, including acting as an unregistered foreign agent, visa fraud, and money laundering. Her husband, Chris Hu, 41, is also charged with money laundering conspiracy and bank fraud.

The indictment alleges that Sun used her position in the New York state government to benefit the People’s Republic of China and its Communist Party. She is accused of blocking Taiwanese officials’ access to the governor’s office, removing references to Taiwan from state communications, and preventing meetings between Taiwanese officials and state leaders.

A former aide to New York Governor Kathy Hochul was charged with secretly acting as an agent of the Chinese government in exchange for millions of dollars in compensation and gifts, including meals of gourmet duck https://t.co/ur8nyTnGCq pic.twitter.com/NHitG3s3Sd

— Reuters Legal (@ReutersLegal) September 4, 2024

Alleged Benefits and Kickbacks

In exchange for her actions, Sun allegedly received various benefits, including payoffs in the form of Nanjing-style salted ducks, travel perks, event tickets, and assistance in promoting a friend’s freight business. Her husband, Chris Hu, reportedly received business assistance in China, enabling the couple to purchase luxury properties and cars, including a Ferrari.

The couple is accused of laundering money to acquire these luxuries, including properties in Hawaii and New York. They have pleaded not guilty to all charges and were released on bond after surrendering their passports.

Impact on New York State Government

Sun worked in state government for about 15 years, serving under both former Governor Andrew Cuomo and current Governor Kathy Hochul. The allegations suggest Chinese influence at high levels of New York state government for nearly a decade. Sun’s actions reportedly included aligning New York governmental messaging with Chinese priorities and making sure that state officials did not publicly discuss the persecution of the Uyghur group.

Governor Hochul’s office terminated Sun’s employment in March 2023 after discovering evidence of misconduct and reported her actions to law enforcement. Cuomo’s spokesperson has attempted to minimize Sun’s influence in his administration.

Broader Implications

This case is part of a larger Justice Department effort to counter Chinese covert operations in the United States. FBI agent Christie Curtis stated that Sun’s actions threatened national security. The charges highlight ongoing concerns about foreign influence in American politics and the need for vigilance in protecting sensitive government positions from potential foreign agents.

As the case progresses, it could draw attention to the broader issue of foreign interference in U.S. domestic affairs and may lead to increased scrutiny of government officials with international ties.