In a shocking development, Linda Sun, a former top aide to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, has been arrested on federal charges, accused of secretly acting as an agent for the Chinese government and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The indictment, unsealed Tuesday, also charges her with multiple other offenses, including visa fraud, alien smuggling, and conspiracy to launder millions of dollars.
Sun’s husband, Chris Hu, a businessman, was also arrested and charged with money laundering conspiracy, bank fraud, and misuse of identification. The couple, who lived in Long Island, were taken into custody by FBI agents and are set to appear in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn.
Linda Sun, 41, had held significant positions within the New York State government, including serving as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Hochul for a year and working under former Governor Andrew Cuomo. However, according to federal prosecutors, while she appeared to serve the people of New York, Sun was allegedly working behind the scenes to further the interests of the Chinese government and the CCP.
The indictment reveals that Sun acted as an undisclosed agent of China, engaging in various political activities at the request of Chinese officials. These activities included blocking representatives of Taiwan from accessing high-level New York State officials, manipulating political messaging in favor of China, and arranging meetings for visiting Chinese delegations with New York State officials. Additionally, she attempted to facilitate a trip to China for Governor Hochul, further demonstrating her influence within the state government.
In return for her covert actions, Sun reportedly received substantial benefits from the Chinese government. These included millions of dollars in financial transactions facilitated by her husband’s business dealings in China, travel perks, tickets to events, employment opportunities for her relatives, and even special food deliveries from a Chinese government official’s personal chef.
The scandal has sent shockwaves through the New York political scene, with Governor Hochul’s office swiftly distancing itself from Sun. Avi Small, Hochul’s press secretary, stated that Sun was terminated from her position in March 2023 after evidence of misconduct surfaced. “We immediately reported her actions to law enforcement and have been cooperating fully with the investigation,” Small said.
Sun’s arrest has raised significant concerns about national security and the potential infiltration of foreign interests into U.S. government institutions. U.S. Attorney Breon Peace emphasized the gravity of the charges, stating, “The illicit scheme enriched the defendant’s family to the tune of millions of dollars while directly threatening our country’s national security.”
As the legal process unfolds, the case against Linda Sun and Chris Hu is likely to attract considerable attention, not only for its implications on U.S.-China relations but also for the broader issue of foreign influence in American politics. The couple’s trial will undoubtedly be closely watched, as federal prosecutors aim to hold them accountable for their alleged crimes.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by foreign interference and the importance of safeguarding national security. As the story develops, it is expected to remain a top headline, highlighting the need for vigilance in protecting government institutions from covert foreign influence.