Linda Sun, a former aide to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, was arrested on Tuesday morning on federal charges of secretly acting as an agent for the Chinese government. The arrest, which also included her husband, Christopher Hu, follows allegations that the couple used Sun’s high-ranking state government position to advance the interests of China’s government and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in exchange for millions of dollars.
The charges against Sun, 41, include violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, alien smuggling, and money laundering. Her husband, Hu, 40, faces charges of money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and misuse of means of identification. The couple, who resided in a $3.6 million home in Manhasset, Long Island, were taken into custody six weeks after FBI agents searched their property.
According to prosecutors, Sun used her positions in state government, which included roles under both Governor Hochul and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, to influence state policies and actions in favor of the Chinese government. This included blocking Taiwanese representatives from meeting with New York state officials, altering official messaging to align with Chinese interests, and facilitating unauthorized visits by Chinese officials to the United States.
The indictment also alleges that Sun and Hu benefited financially from these activities, using the proceeds to purchase luxury properties and other assets. Among the perks they allegedly received were lavish gifts, such as Nanjing-style salted ducks prepared by a Chinese government official’s personal chef, which were delivered to Sun’s parents’ home.
Governor Hochul’s office, through spokesperson Avi Small, stated that Sun was fired in March 2023 after evidence of misconduct was discovered and immediately reported to law enforcement. The governor’s office has cooperated fully with the ongoing investigation.
Sun and Hu are expected to appear in federal court in Brooklyn, where they will face the serious charges laid out by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. The case underscores ongoing concerns about foreign influence within the United States and the lengths to which foreign governments may go to further their agendas.
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