A former top aide to New York’s Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul is accused of secretly spying for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) while collecting millions in kickbacks and enjoying a lavish lifestyle, federal prosecutors say.
Linda Sun, 41, who also served under former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, allegedly used her high-ranking state positions to advance Beijing’s interests and influence both governors to act favorably toward China, according to The Daily Mail.
Prosecutors allege that despite earning an official government salary of $145,000, Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, 42, funneled millions they earned from spying for the Chinese Communist Party.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the couple used the illicit funds to purchase a $3.6 million mansion on Long Island, a $1.9 million condominium in Hawaii, and a 2024 Ferrari Roma worth $243,300.
Prosecutors: Sun Acted as Unregistered CCP Operative
During opening arguments Monday, prosecutors claimed Sun regularly communicated with senior CCP insiders and attended exclusive dinners hosted by the Chinese consulate’s chef, including events featuring traditional Nanjing-style salted duck.
She also reportedly traveled frequently to China and attended Beijing’s celebration marking the CCP’s 70th anniversary in power.
Prosecutors say Sun laundered millions through Hu’s businesses, including a lobster export firm and a Queens wine shop.
The couple is also accused of pocketing $2.3 million in kickbacks from pandemic-era personal protective equipment (PPE) imports.
Sun faces charges of violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, as well as visa fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering.
She has pleaded not guilty.
Her attorneys argue that Sun’s activities were consistent with U.S. diplomatic goals, claiming her work “aligned with [US] national objective [that] cannot credibly be characterized as advancing ‘predominantly a foreign interest.’”
Hu has also pleaded not guilty to related charges.
Career in State Government and Sudden Firing
Sun joined the Cuomo administration in 2012, holding multiple roles including Global New York Trade Manager, Asian Outreach Director, and Queens Regional Representative.
She was named “chief diversity officer” in 2018.
In September 2021, she became Hochul’s deputy chief of staff, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Sun was dismissed after 15 months when Hochul’s office uncovered “evidence of misconduct.”
“Sun then moved to a job at the New York Department of Labor in November 2022,” the Daily Mail reported.
“She served as deputy commissioner for strategic business development, but she departed that job just months later in March of 2023.”
A person familiar with the case told the Associated Press that “the matter was forwarded to law enforcement at the time,” declining to specify the alleged misconduct.
Influence Operations and Hidden Payments
Federal prosecutors accuse Sun of obstructing Taiwan’s representatives from meeting with senior New York officials and “chang[ing] messaging on issues that involved the CCP.”
She allegedly also gave a Chinese diplomat unauthorized access to a state conference call.
In total, prosecutors say Sun and Hu funneled $15.8 million into the United States through Hu’s lobster business and undeclared cash transfers from China, routed through family members and shell companies.
The Justice Department’s indictment further alleges Sun received undisclosed gifts, including tickets to performances by visiting Chinese orchestras and ballet groups.
If convicted, Sun faces significant prison time under federal anti-espionage and financial crime statutes.
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