Federal prosecutors have charged Linda Sun, a former top aide to New York governors Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo, with acting as an unregistered agent for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and accepting millions in kickbacks to fund an extravagant lifestyle, Breitbart reports. Sun, 41, is alleged to have used her influential position to sway gubernatorial decisions in Beijing’s favor, maintaining close communication with CCP insiders and frequently traveling to China, including trips to mark the party’s 70th anniversary.
According to prosecutors, Sun, while earning a government salary of $145,000, received significant sums from the CCP that allowed her and her husband, Chris Hu, 42, to purchase a $3.6 million mansion in Long Island, a $1.9 million condo in Hawaii, and a 2024 Ferrari Roma valued at $243,300. The alleged payments were funneled through Hu’s businesses and included $2.3 million in kickbacks related to imports of personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sun’s government tenure began in 2012 under the Cuomo administration, where she worked in several posts including Global New York Trade Manager and chief diversity officer. She later became deputy chief of staff for Governor Hochul in 2021, but was dismissed after only 15 months due to evidence of misconduct. Sun briefly worked with the New York Department of Labor before also being terminated for alleged improprieties.
Prosecutors contend Sun blocked Taiwanese government representatives from engaging with New York officials, adapted state messaging on CCP-related issues, and clandestinely provided a Chinese diplomat access to a New York state conference call. She’s accused of moving over $15.8 million into the country through Hu’s lobster export business, utilizing undeclared funds from China in various enterprises to support her lavish living arrangements. In addition, Sun reportedly accepted undisclosed tickets to Chinese cultural performances as part of her alleged dealings.
Sun faces charges of violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. Both Sun and Hu have pleaded not guilty, with Sun’s attorneys arguing that her actions were consistent with U.S. national objectives and did not predominantly serve foreign interests.