In a significant development, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has apprehended Linda Sun, a former senior aide to New York governors, and her spouse Chris Hu. The couple faces charges of clandestinely collaborating with Chinese officials over an extended period, providing insights into state government operations and advocating on their behalf.
Federal prosecutors unveiled an indictment against Sun and Hu, alleging illegal activities dating back to Sun's tenure as an aide to former governor Andrew Cuomo. The charges, filed in Brooklyn federal court, accuse Sun of functioning as an undisclosed agent of the Chinese government and the Chinese Communist Party.
The indictment outlines several alleged actions by Sun, including:
- Obstructing Taiwanese government representatives' access to the New York State governor's office
- Altering state statements on issues of importance to China
- Securing official state proclamations for Chinese government representatives without proper authorization
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace stated that the couple's scheme resulted in millions of dollars in profits. Authorities report that these funds were used to acquire:
- A $4.1 million residence in Manhasset, New York
- A $2.1 million condominium in Honolulu, Hawaii
- Multiple luxury vehicles, including a 2024 Ferrari
FBI Acting Assistant Director Christie Curtis emphasized the severity of the allegations, stating that Hu "facilitated the transfer of millions of dollars in kickbacks for personal gain," while Sun "wielded her position of influence among executives to covertly promote" the agendas of the Chinese government and the Chinese Communist Party.
The indictment further accuses Sun of repeatedly violating New York State protocols to provide improper benefits to Chinese representatives. This included issuing invitations that aided Chinese government officials in traveling to the U.S. for meetings with state officials, actions that authorities claim amounted to false statements on immigration documents.
Sun, 41, held positions as deputy chief diversity officer in Cuomo's administration from 2018 to 2020 and served as deputy chief of staff to Governor Kathy Hochul from 2021 to 2022. Her husband, Hu, 40, operated a seafood business and a financial consulting firm, which authorities allege were connected to the couple's receipt of millions of dollars for China-based business activities.
The charges against Sun also include allegations of her covert actions during the global COVID-19 pandemic. According to the indictment, she surreptitiously included a Chinese official in a private New York State government conference call discussing the health response to COVID-19 and efforts to combat the rise in hate crimes targeting Asian Americans.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining national security and the importance of transparency in government operations, especially in relations with foreign entities.
"The couple's scheme made them millions of dollars."
As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between state governance, international relations, and the critical role of federal law enforcement in safeguarding national interests.