Former aide to 2 New York governors is charged with being an agent of the Chinese government
Former aides to two New York Governors were charged on Tuesday with acting illegally as agents of the Chinese Government. They alleged that she used her positions in state government to advance Beijing’s agenda subtly, and received financial benefits of millions of dollars.
Linda Sun was a former deputy chief of staff to Gov. Kathy Hochul, former deputy diversity officer to the former governor. Andrew Cuomo and her husband Chris Hu were arrested at their $4 million Long Island home Tuesday.
Federal prosecutors have said that Sun, on the instructions of Chinese officials blocked the Taiwanese government’s representatives from entering the Governor’s Office and also shaped the New York government messaging in order to align it with the Chinese government priorities.
The indictment stated that in return for her husband’s business activities in China, she received financial assistance. This, according to prosecutors, allowed the couple the ability to purchase their multimillion dollar property in Manhasset in New York, as well as a condo in Hawaii, valued at $1.9 million. They also bought luxury cars, including a Ferrari 2024.
|
The indictment stated that Sun received other smaller gifts as well, including tickets for performances by visiting Chinese orchestras and ballet groups, and “Nanjing style salted ducks,” prepared by a personal chef of an official from the Chinese government and delivered to Sun’s parents’ New York home.
If the allegations are true, they show that Chinese officials were able gain influence in the state government at the highest level for almost a decade.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney, said that while the defendant and husband appeared to serve the people in New York by serving as Deputy Chiefs of Staff at the New York State Executive Chamber they actually worked to advance the interests of China and the CCP. The illegal scheme brought millions of dollars to the family of the defendant.
Sun and Hu will be released after a first court appearance in Brooklyn on Tuesday. Sun is prohibited from contacting the People’s Republic of China’s mission and consulate.
Jarrod Schaeffer said that they were looking forward to the court hearing. It’s understandable that our client is upset by these charges.
This case is part a larger Justice Department effort aimed at rooting out Chinese secret agents operating in the U.S. Federal authorities have accused Chinese nationals of not only advancing Beijing’s interest, but also harassing and intimidating dissidents for the government.
The Justice Department has charged two men last year with setting up a secret police station under the control and direction of the Chinese government in New York City.
Sun, who is a naturalized U.S. Citizen born in China, has worked in the state government for 15 years. She held jobs in Cuomo’s administration, and then became Hochul’s deputy chief staff. Sun was appointed deputy commissioner of strategic business development at the New York Department of Labor in November 2022. She left the position a few months later, in March 2023.
A spokesperson from Hochul’s Office said in a statement that the administration had fired Sun “after discovering evidence of misconduct.”
This individual was hired more than 10 years ago by the Executive Chamber. After discovering evidence of misconduct in March 2023, we terminated her employment. We immediately reported her actions and assisted law enforcement during this process,” reads the statement.
In the indictment, it was stated that Sun, among other things worked to prevent high-ranking officials of New York State from meeting with representatives of Taiwan. The Chinese government views Taiwan as part of China.
The document also detailed a series exchanges Sun had in January 2021 with officials at the Chinese Consulate of New York, while Cuomo was governor and Hochul lieutenant governor. The document does not name either leader, but instead refers to them as “Politician-1,” and “Politician-2.”
Sun, after Chinese officials asked the governor to make a Lunar New Year Video, said Hochul probably could do it. He then asked for “talking-points of things you would like her to mention.”
According to the indictment, an official had told her: “Mostly holiday wishes and hope of friendship and cooperation/Nothing too political.”
Sun told another official later that she had argued over the draft with Hochul’s speechwriter because the writer insisted on mentioning “the Uyghur Situation” in China. She said she would not let this happen and, according to the charges, the final speech didn’t mention the Muslim minority.
Prosecutors said that Sun’s alleged New York activities paved the path for lucrative business agreements for Hu in China. This included discussions about a venture for exporting frozen seafood to China. Hu tried to hide the income in the U.S. using various methods, according to the charges.
Alexander Solomon, assistant U.S. attorney, said that “a multitude of shell companies and business entities” were used to commit the crimes. He added, “This is not an ordinary financial fraud.”
The FBI searched a multimillion dollar home in Manhasset owned by the couple in late July, but refused to reveal any details.
Sun is accused of violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act and money laundering, as well as helping others commit visa fraud or illegally enter the U.S. Hu is accused of money laundering conspiracy and conspiracy to commit fraud at a bank, as well as misuse of identification. Both have not been charged with espionage.
Cuomo’s spokesperson Rich Azzopardi minimized Sun’s role in the former Governor’s administration. He said she “worked for a few agencies and was among many community liaisons that had little or no interaction with him.”
Sun and Hu reside in Stone Hill, a gated Long Island community. Records show that the couple bought the house in 2021, but put it into a trust this year.
