A high-ranking former aide who served two New York governors has encountered additional legal troubles alongside her husband in an ongoing investigation of alleged Chinese government influence.
According to AP News, Linda Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, pleaded not guilty to amended charges during a Tuesday hearing at Brooklyn federal court, where prosecutors expanded the scope of their money laundering allegations.
Sun's career in New York state government spanned approximately 15 years, during which she held influential positions, including deputy chief of staff for Governor Kathy Hochul and deputy diversity officer under former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The case has drawn significant attention due to allegations that Sun used her governmental positions to advance Chinese interests while receiving substantial financial benefits.
Federal prosecutors claim Sun worked at the direction of Chinese officials to promote their agenda within New York's state government.
One of her alleged activities involved preventing Taiwanese government representatives from accessing the governor's office. Meanwhile, her husband Hu allegedly received assistance for his business ventures in China as part of the arrangement.
The couple's financial gains from their alleged cooperation with Chinese officials were substantial. They acquired multiple luxury properties, including a $3.6 million Long Island residence and a Hawaii condominium valued at nearly $2 million. The benefits extended to luxury vehicles and smaller gifts such as entertainment tickets and traditional Chinese delicacies.
Sun's defense team has challenged the charges, suggesting their client faces discrimination based on her wealth and ethnicity. Her attorney, Jarrod Schaeffer, stated their position:
In the government's view, Ms. Sun and her family simply have too much and so there must be a nefarious reason. Sputtering about state ethics rules and undisclosed gifts, the government eventually reached the conclusion that when a woman of Chinese heritage allegedly receives unreported gifts from other Chinese individuals, she must be bought and paid for by China.
Prosecutors maintain that Sun deliberately avoided registering as a foreign agent and took steps to hide her activities supporting Chinese interests. During FBI interviews, she allegedly provided misleading information about her China trips and failed to disclose that Chinese representatives had arranged and funded her travel.
The investigation revealed that Sun faces multiple charges, including violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, money laundering conspiracy, and involvement in visa fraud schemes. Her husband Hu's charges include money laundering conspiracy, bank fraud conspiracy, and identity misuse.
The couple's case has gained additional complexity with the recent amendments to their charges. Hu now faces three new money laundering counts connected to financial transactions from 2020 totaling $1.5 million. Both defendants remain free on bond as they await their next court appearance scheduled for April 23.
Linda Sun and Chris Hu's case exemplifies the intricate relationship between public service and alleged foreign influence in American institutions.
The former New York state official and her husband face serious allegations of working as undisclosed Chinese agents while maintaining prestigious government positions and accumulating significant wealth.
Their upcoming court proceedings will determine whether prosecutors can prove the complex web of financial transactions and political influence allegedly connecting the couple to Chinese government interests.
