Ex-Governor’s Aide Accused of Secret Links to Chinese Government

A former aide to New York Governor Kathy Hochul has been indicted on charges of acting as an agent of the Chinese government.

At a Glance

Linda Sun, former aide to NY governors, charged as illegal agent of China.
Held key positions, including deputy chief of staff and deputy diversity officer.
Sun and husband arrested at their $4 million Long Island home.
Accused of aligning NY government messaging with Chinese interests.
Sun allegedly rewarded with business assistance, enabling luxury purchases.

Details of the Indictment

Linda Sun, a former aide to New York governors Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo, has been charged with acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government. The indictment alleges that Sun exploited her influential positions within the state administration to further China’s interests. Throughout her tenure, Sun served as the deputy chief of staff for Gov. Hochul and the deputy diversity officer for former Gov. Cuomo. Her roles provided her with considerable leverage within the state administration.

Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, were arrested at their $4 million home in Long Island. Prosecutors claim that Sun used her position to block Taiwanese representatives from accessing the governor’s office and to align New York’s government messaging with Chinese priorities. Additionally, Hu allegedly received significant business assistance in China, which allowed the couple to purchase luxury properties and vehicles.

Linda Sun, 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 https://t.co/npig6lweBk pic.twitter.com/SbOtHJO7fW

— Reuters (@Reuters) September 4, 2024

Exploitation of State Roles

Sun’s activities allegedly began a decade ago, suggesting prolonged Chinese influence at high levels of New York state government. Prosecutors provided detailed instances where Sun is said to have obstructed Taiwanese officials’ access while advancing Beijing’s goals. She also reportedly received smaller gifts like tickets to performances and specialty food items in return for her efforts.

“As alleged, while appearing to serve the people of New York as Deputy Chief of Staff within the New York State Executive Chamber, the defendant and her husband actually worked to further the interests of the Chinese government and the CCP,” United States Attorney Breon Peace said. “The illicit scheme enriched the defendant’s family to the tune of millions of dollars.”

In return for her actions, Sun and Hu reportedly benefitted significantly, acquiring luxury properties like a $2.1 million condo in Hawaii and a 2024 Ferrari. The Justice Department further noted that Sun also accepted smaller tokens of appreciation, including high-end event tickets.

Prosecutors say Linda Sun, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's former deputy chief of staff, received millions of dollars in business and gifts from the Chinese government. https://t.co/IF4XFazJmm

— NorthJersey.com (@northjersey) September 3, 2024

Legal and Government Response

Linda Sun and Chris Hu pleaded not guilty to the charges. Sun was released on bond but is prohibited from contacting the Chinese consulate. The case forms part of a broader Justice Department initiative aimed at combating covert Chinese operations within the U.S. Sun worked within the New York state government for approximately 15 years before her termination in March 2023, following the discovery of evidence indicating her misconduct.

“This individual was hired by the Executive Chamber more than a decade ago. We terminated her employment in March 2023 after discovering evidence of misconduct, immediately reported her actions to law enforcement, and have assisted law enforcement throughout this process,” a statement from the New York State Executive Chamber reads.

Governor Hochul’s office has cooperated with the investigation following Sun’s firing upon unearthing evidence of her illicit activities. This case sheds light on the pressing issue of foreign interference in domestic governance and underscores the ongoing challenge of safeguarding national security.