A former top aide to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Linda Sun, has been charged with acting as an undisclosed agent for the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), as well as laundering millions of dollars on their behalf.
According to an indictment unsealed Tuesday, Sun, who served as deputy chief of staff to Hochul and held multiple state government roles, allegedly engaged in various activities benefiting the PRC and CCP. These activities reportedly included blocking Taiwanese government representatives from accessing the New York governor’s office, altering messaging from Governor Hochul and other politicians on issues significant to China, securing official proclamations for PRC representatives, and attempting to arrange a trip for Hochul to China. Additionally, Sun is accused of organizing meetings between PRC delegations and New York State officials.
In exchange for these services, Sun is said to have received substantial economic benefits from the PRC and CCP. These benefits reportedly included facilitating millions of dollars in transactions for the PRC-based business of her husband, Chris Hu, who also faces criminal charges. Hu, a 40-year-old businessman, is charged with money laundering conspiracy, bank fraud conspiracy, and misuse of identification.
Both Sun and Hu were arrested at their Long Island home by FBI agents. They appeared in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn on Tuesday, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges. Sun was released on a $1.5 million bond, while Hu was released on a $500,000 bond. As part of her release conditions, Sun has been ordered to refrain from any contact with the PRC consulate and mission.
Prosecutors allege that Sun and Hu used proceeds from their alleged scheme to purchase a $4.1 million home in Manhasset, Long Island, a $2.1 million condominium in Honolulu, and luxury automobiles, including a 2024 Ferrari. The case highlights growing concerns about foreign influence and corruption involving high-level U.S. officials.