Linda Sun, once an esteemed aide to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, faces severe allegations from federal authorities, including acting as an undeclared agent for China, visa fraud, and engaging in a money laundering conspiracy.
The Washington Examiner confirmed the news that Hochul's top aide Linda Sun was charged with promoting China's interests over U.S. policy while enriching herself and her husband.
Linda Sun served under Governor Kathy Hochul from September 2021 until November 2022.
Before that, she worked for former Governor Andrew Cuomo, known in the indictment as "Politician 1." Her proximity to key political figures gave her significant influence within New York's Executive Chamber.
In her role, Sun is accused of manipulating state policies to benefit China. This included blocking Taiwanese officials from contacting New York officials, thus altering state messaging on topics critical to China. Her maneuvering reportedly extended to unauthorized activities such as facilitating the entry of Chinese officials into the U.S. by providing them with unauthorized invitation letters.
Together with her husband, Chris Hu, Linda Sun allegedly profited significantly from these activities. The proceeds were ostensibly used to purchase multi-million dollar homes and luxury vehicles, including a Ferrari.
The financial benefits are highlighted amid the charges, with Hu facing allegations related to the money laundering conspiracy, bank fraud conspiracy, and misuse of means of identification.
One notable instance of Sun's interference involved a 2016 event in Washington, D.C. She diverted Governor Hochul from attending an event hosted by the Taipei economic office to one hosted by China, effectively isolating her from Taiwanese interactions. This pattern continued, notably stopping Governor Hochul from meeting a Taiwanese official in May 2022.
In addition, during the acute phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sun added a Chinese official to a confidential government conference call in March 2020 without appropriate authorization.
In April of the same year, she is said to have ensured that a Chinese donation of 1,000 ventilators was acknowledged by "Politician 1," underscoring her pivotal role in connecting Chinese interests with the New York State administration.
Despite her powerful position, Linda Sun's actions caught up with her. She was dismissed from the New York Department of Labor in March 2023 due to evidence of misconduct. This dismissal came after her tenure had shifted from the Executive Chamber to the Department of Labor following Hochul's administration.
After her firing, Sun briefly joined Democrat Austin Cheng's unsuccessful congressional campaign. Furthermore, her career history also includes a stint with Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) when Meng served in the state assembly.
Upon discovery of her actions, Hochul's office was quick to terminate her employment and assist in the subsequent investigation. A spokesperson from Hochul's office confirmed that they had reported her misconduct to law enforcement immediately after discovering it and had assisted throughout the investigative process.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace stated that Sun appeared to serve the people of New York but worked to advance the interests of the Chinese government.
Peace emphasized the gravity of serving as an undiscovered foreign agent and assured decisive prosecution for such betrayals.
FBI Acting Assistant Director Christie Curtis remarked on how Sun’s covert operations for the PRC and CCP directly threatened national security by leveraging her significant role among executive leaders.
The responses from Chinese officials, as evidenced in communications captured during the investigation, show explicit appreciation for Sun's efforts to block contact with Taiwanese officials, highlighting her significance in fostering relations that served China's governmental interests.
The implications of this case resonate beyond mere criminal activity; they underscore substantial breaches in ethical governance and expose vulnerabilities that could be exploited by foreign powers within the highest levels of state administration.
This indictment signals a critical junction point for both political repercussions and the ongoing efforts to protect national security amid international diplomatic engagements.