A former top aide to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and disgraced former Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been arrested on charges of working as an undisclosed agent for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Linda Sun, 41, along with her husband, Christopher Hu, 40, was taken into custody following an FBI raid on their Long Island home.
Federal authorities have charged Sun with violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, alien smuggling, and money laundering conspiracy. Hu faces charges of money laundering conspiracy, bank fraud conspiracy, and misuse of means of identification. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, the couple allegedly laundered millions of dollars for China, using the money to buy luxury properties and vehicles.
Among their purchases were a $4.1 million home on Long Island and a $2.1 million condo in Hawaii, as well as luxury cars, including a 2024 Ferrari. The indictment also accuses Sun of blocking Taiwan representatives from meeting with New York officials while arranging meetings for Chinese government representatives.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace stated that Sun and her husband enriched themselves at the expense of the state and worked to further the interests of the Chinese government and the CCP. The charges against Sun and Hu are part of a broader federal effort to combat foreign influence in American politics.
Gov. Hochul’s office terminated Sun’s employment in March 2023 after uncovering evidence of her misconduct. The administration has since cooperated fully with law enforcement.
This arrest raises concerns about foreign influence within state governments and highlights the ongoing challenges in protecting American institutions from foreign interference.
