Former Aide to New York Governors Arrested for Acting as Undisclosed Agent of Chinese Government
Linda Sun, a former deputy chief of staff to New York Governors Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo, was arrested by the FBI on Tuesday morning. She and her husband, Chris Hu, are charged with acting as undisclosed agents of the Chinese government and the Chinese Communist Party.
The indictment alleges that Sun and Hu gained millions of dollars in financial benefits from their activities, including a multimillion-dollar mansion in Manhasset and a fleet of luxury cars. Sun allegedly used her position to advance the interests of the Chinese government, including preventing officials from Taiwan from gaining access to the governor's office.
Both Sun and Hu have pleaded not guilty to the charges. They were released on bond and their travel has been restricted.
Hochul and Cuomo Respond to Arrest
Governor Hochul expressed outrage at Sun's alleged actions, stating that she was "furious" and "shocked" by the betrayal of trust. She added that Sun was fired as soon as misconduct was discovered and that the authorities were immediately alerted.
A spokesperson for former Governor Cuomo said that national security is critical and must be free from foreign influence. They noted that Sun was promoted to Deputy Chief of Staff in the subsequent administration, but that during Cuomo's time in office, she worked in a handful of agencies and had little to no interaction with the governor.
Long List of Lavish Benefits Allegedly Received
A multimillion-dollar mansion in Manhasset
Tens of thousands of dollars in various bank accounts
Trips to China paid for by the Chinese government
A job for Sun's cousin in China
Backing for various businesses run by Hu
Nanjing-style salted duck prepared by the personal chef of a Chinese consulate official and delivered to Sun's parents
The government alleges that the couple claimed a total income of $125,000 last year, and that Hu's liquor store made just $9,000 in profits.
Investigation and Charges
The FBI raided Sun and Hu's home six weeks ago, seizing boxes of records. The indictment includes several pictures of Sun with Chinese officials, including one from 2019 in Beijing celebrating the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China.
Acting as an agent of a foreign government without registering
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud
Wire fraud
Making false statements
Money laundering
Bank fraud
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud
The investigation is ongoing.