Ex-Top Aide to NY Governors Charged with Spying for China.
Linda Sun, a former deputy chief of staff to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, has been charged with acting as an undeclared agent for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Sun, who also served in the administration of former Governor Andrew Cuomo, was arrested alongside her husband, Chris Hu, at their Long Island home on Tuesday morning.
The charges against Sun, 41, include acting on behalf of the Chinese government, visa fraud, alien smuggling, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Hu, 40, faces charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering, bank fraud, and misuse of identification. Both are scheduled to appear before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo later today.
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace stated, “As alleged, while appearing to serve the people of New York, the defendant and her husband actually worked to further the interests of the Chinese government and the CCP.” Peace highlighted that Sun’s actions enriched her family by millions of dollars, reinforcing the Office’s commitment to prosecuting those who secretly serve foreign governments.
Sun’s career in state government spanned approximately 15 years, including her time under Cuomo and her role as deputy chief of staff under Hochul. In November 2022, she transitioned to a position at the New York Department of Labor as deputy commissioner for strategic business development but left in March 2023.
The indictment details numerous allegations against Sun, including blocking Taiwanese government representatives from accessing the governor’s office, altering political messaging to favor Chinese interests, and improperly facilitating visits and meetings for Chinese officials. Sun is accused of providing false immigration documents to enable Chinese officials to enter the U.S. and meet with government officials. Prosecutors allege that Sun received substantial economic benefits from Beijing, including facilitating significant financial transactions for her husband's business activities in China.
This case underscores a serious breach of trust and raises questions about the influence of foreign powers on American political figures.
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