The FBI has arrested Linda Sun, a former deputy chief of staff to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, on charges of acting as an undisclosed agent for the Chinese government.
According to Daily Mail Online, Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, were taken into custody following a raid on their $4.1 million home in Manhasset, Long Island.
Federal prosecutors have accused Sun of enriching herself and her family by working as an agent of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) while serving in the New York state government. The indictment alleges that Sun blocked Taiwanese government representatives from accessing high-level New York State officials and altered messaging on CCP-related issues.
Sun faces charges of acting as an undisclosed foreign agent and laundering the proceeds of her illegal activities. Her husband, Chris Hu, is also charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and misuse of means of identification. Both have pleaded not guilty and were released on bond.
The 63-page indictment claims that Sun "repeatedly violated internal rules and protocols" of the NY governor's office to provide improper benefits to China and the Communist Party. Prosecutors allege that she used the proceeds from her illegal work to purchase luxury assets, including their Manhasset home, a $2.1 million condo in Hawaii, and high-end vehicles like a 2024 Ferrari.
US Attorney Breon Peace stated:
As alleged, while appearing to serve the people of New York as Deputy Chief of Staff within the New York State Executive Chamber, the defendant and her husband actually worked to further the interests of the Chinese government and the CCP.
Sun worked in New York state government for nearly 15 years, beginning in 2009 as chief of staff for then-State Assembly member Grace Meng. She held various positions in former Governor Andrew Cuomo's administration from 2012 onwards, including roles as Global New York Trade Manager and Asian Outreach Director.
In September 2021, Sun was appointed as deputy chief of staff for Governor Kathy Hochul. She remained in this role for about 15 months before moving to the New York Department of Labor in November 2022. However, Sun's tenure at the Labor Department was short-lived, as she departed in March 2023.
A spokesperson for Governor Hochul's office provided a statement regarding Sun's termination:
This individual was hired by the Executive Chamber more than a decade ago. We terminated her employment in March 2023 after discovering evidence of misconduct, immediately reported her actions to law enforcement and have assisted law enforcement throughout this process.
The arrest of a high-ranking former state official on charges of acting as a foreign agent has sent shockwaves through New York's political circles. This case raises questions about the extent of Chinese influence in American politics and the potential vulnerabilities within government offices.
The incident also comes at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and China, with concerns about espionage and foreign interference at the forefront of national security discussions. The allegations against Sun and her husband may further strain diplomatic relations between the two nations.
This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by government agencies in safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining the integrity of public offices. It also highlights the need for rigorous vetting processes and continuous monitoring of potential foreign influences within American political institutions.
The arrest of Linda Sun, a former deputy chief of staff to New York's governor, on charges of acting as an undisclosed Chinese agent has significant implications. The case involves allegations of violating government protocols, blocking access for Taiwanese officials, and using illicit proceeds to purchase luxury assets. This incident raises concerns about foreign influence in American politics and may impact US-China relations. The outcome of this case will likely be closely watched by both political and diplomatic observers.
