A former deputy chief of staff to New York Governor Kathy Hochul has been charged with acting as an agent for the Chinese government.
Linda Sun, age 41, is accused of acting under the directives of Beijing, receiving millions of dollars in kickbacks, special deliveries of salted duck, and other benefits, as stated in a federal indictment.
According to prosecutors, she and her husband, co-defendant Christopher Hu, funneled their illicit profits into purchasing properties and luxury cars.
In a federal court in Brooklyn on Tuesday, the couple entered pleas of not guilty.
Ms. Sun was dismissed nearly two years ago when Governor Hochul’s office, who assumed office in 2021, identified and reported misconduct evidence.
She and Mr. Hu are now facing several charges, including violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, smuggling of four illegal immigrants, and conspiracy to launder money.
The indictment describes Ms. Sun as an unregistered agent for the Chinese government and alleges her husband assisted in funneling millions in kickbacks for their personal enrichment.
Allegations against Ms. Sun include preventing Taiwanese government representatives from meeting New York officials, issuing unauthorized U.S. invitations to Chinese officials, altering state messaging about China, and adding a Chinese official to a confidential state call regarding COVID-19.
Christie Curtis, the acting assistant director of the FBI, stated that Ms. Sun “wielded her position… to covertly promote” the Chinese agenda, posing a direct threat to national security.
Prosecutors allege Ms. Sun received millions in rewards, including show tickets, travel benefits, and multiple deliveries of Nanjing-style salted duck prepared by a chef for a Chinese government representative and sent to her parents’ home.
The indictment also states the couple laundered substantial funds to afford luxuries like a Ferrari and properties in Hawaii and New York.
“The defendants’ illicit activities amassed millions for their family,” stated U.S. Attorney Breon Peace.
According to the charges, Mr. Hu ran several New York-based businesses, including a seafood exporter, a wine store, and a financial consultancy, often utilizing a Chinese government-authorized freight agent.
Ms. Sun, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in China, has held various senior roles within the state’s executive and agencies since 2012 and was deputy chief of staff to Ms. Hochul for nearly a year until her 2023 dismissal.
The governor’s office revealed Ms. Sun was initially appointed by the previous governor, Andrew Cuomo, who resigned in August 2021 amid sexual misconduct allegations.
A spokesperson said, “She was hired over a decade ago by the executive chamber. We terminated her employment in March 2023 upon finding misconduct, promptly alerted law enforcement, and have cooperated with them since.”
However, a spokesperson for Mr. Cuomo countered this narrative on WNYC local radio, stating Ms. Sun had minimal interaction with the then-governor, only gaining prominence under Governor Hochul.
Ms. Sun and Mr. Hu were apprehended at their $3.5 million home in a gated community on Long Island, following a raid about six weeks earlier as part of an FBI investigation.
In court on Tuesday, Ms. Sun was ordered to avoid any contact with the Chinese consulate and mission in New York.
Judge Brian Cogan decreed the couple could only travel within New York City, Long Island, and the states of Maine and New Hampshire.
Ms. Sun was released on a $1.5 million bond and Mr. Hu on a $500,000 bond, with a requirement to report back to court later in the month.
