Linda Sun, a former aide to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, was arrested alongside her husband at their Long Island residence on Tuesday morning. Federal prosecutors allege that Sun engaged in a scheme to advance Chinese interests while holding a position in New York’s government. The indictment, revealed on Tuesday, accuses her of failing to register as a foreign agent, visa fraud, alien smuggling, and conspiracy to launder money.
Her husband, Christopher Hu, is accused of facilitating millions in kickbacks for personal benefit. Both Sun and Hu pleaded not guilty at their arraignment in Brooklyn federal court later that afternoon. Sun appeared in a black pantsuit paired with a red blouse, while Hu wore slacks and a light dress shirt.
During her tenure under former Governors Andrew Cuomo and Kathy Hochul, Sun allegedly acted as an unregistered agent for China, with her husband accused of laundering their profits, enabling purchases including a $3.6 million home in Manhasset and a $1.9 million condominium in Hawaii.
Prosecutors state Sun obstructed Taiwanese representatives from meeting the governor, worked to prevent interactions with Taiwanese officials, and attempted to influence the governor’s public statements about China. “This is no ordinary financial fraud,” asserted Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Solomon during the arraignment.
Federal authorities noted that Sun and Hu managed more than 80 accounts, with much of the evidence being in Chinese. They cited a WeChat message where Sun reportedly boasted to a Chinese official about her efforts to enhance relations.
Sun was released on a $1.5 million bond with restrictions against contacting the Chinese consulate, while Hu was released on a $500,000 bond. Their next court date is set for September 25.
Following her alleged misconduct, Sun was terminated from her position in March 2023. Hochul’s press secretary, Avi Small, stated that her actions had been reported to law enforcement and that they have cooperated throughout the investigation.
Rich Azzopardi, a representative for Cuomo, emphasized national security concerns, mentioning that Sun had minimal interaction with the governor during her time in office.
Sun served in state government for around 15 years and was last deputy commissioner for strategic business development at the New York State Department of Labor. The indictment further alleges that Sun received various benefits from China, including travel perks, event tickets, and business promotions, as compensation for her actions to favor Chinese interests.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace remarked that while Sun held a role seemingly dedicated to the people of New York, she was reportedly advancing the goals of the Chinese government and the Communist Party, enriching her family significantly through illicit activities.
Governor Hochul expressed her outrage at the situation, labeling the allegations against Sun as “brazen” and a “betrayal of trust.” She refrained from disclosing specific details, indicating that more information would emerge during court proceedings.