Photo: Former New York aide Linda Sun
The U.S. Department of Justice has accused a former aide to the governor of New York of acting as an agent of the People's Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party. Linda Sun, who served as deputy chief of staff to Governor Kathy Hochul, was arrested on Tuesday along with her husband, Chris Hu. Both have pleaded not guilty in Brooklyn federal court.
The Justice Department said in a statement Tuesday that Sun, 41, is charged with violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, alien smuggling and conspiracy to commit money laundering, Voice of America reports.
Sun was hired by the New York Executive Chamber more than a decade ago and served in various positions until her resignation in March 2023 after her alleged illegal activities came to light. Federal prosecutors allege that Sun and her husband worked on behalf of the People's Republic of China and the Communist Party of China during those years.
“The illegal scheme enriched the defendants' families by millions of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace.
According to the indictment, Sun used her job in the Executive Office to block Taiwanese officials from accessing New York state leaders. She also allegedly manipulated senior state officials' communications to benefit China and attempted to facilitate a trip to China by a senior New York politician.
“Sun never registered as a foreign agent with the Attorney General and, in fact, actively concealed the fact that she was acting at the behest, request, or direction of the PRC government and CCP officials.”, – the Justice Department said in a statement.
In exchange for their efforts, Sun and Hu allegedly received significant financial rewards, including millions of dollars in business deals with Hu in China. The Justice Department alleges that the couple used the proceeds to purchase luxury real estate in New York City and Hawaii, as well as luxury cars, including a 2024 Ferrari. Another form of compensation allegedly included salted Nanking duck, which was prepared by a Chinese government official’s personal chef and delivered to Sun’s parents, the department said.
Her husband has been charged with bank fraud and identity fraud. He allegedly laundered money through a bank account opened in the name of a close relative and using a photo of his driver's license.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI with support from the US Internal Revenue Service.
Prepared by: Sergey Daga