Linda Sun, a former aide to New York Govs. Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo, was arrested along with her husband, Christopher Hu, on Tuesday for allegedly acting as an undisclosed agent for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The arrest came after the FBI raided their Long Island home, uncovering evidence of their alleged activities.
Sun, 41, faces charges including violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, and money laundering conspiracy. Her husband, Hu, 40, is charged with money laundering conspiracy and bank fraud. Federal authorities claim that the couple laundered millions of dollars for the Chinese government, using the money to buy luxury properties and vehicles.
The indictment also accuses Sun of using her influence in the New York state government to block representatives from Taiwan while arranging meetings for Chinese officials. The couple allegedly used the illicit funds to purchase a $4.1 million home in Long Island, a $2.1 million condo in Hawaii, and luxury cars like a 2024 Ferrari.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace stated that 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 emphasized that the case reflects the broader federal effort to combat foreign interference.
Gov. Hochul’s administration terminated Sun’s employment in March 2023 after discovering her misconduct. The administration has cooperated fully with the federal investigation.
This case raises serious concerns about foreign influence within U.S. state governments and highlights the importance of protecting American institutions from foreign interference.
