Linda Sun, a former top aide to New York Governor Kathy Hochul who also served in the administration of ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo, has been indicted on charges that she acted as an agent for China. Andy Padilla/The Associated Press The indictment, announced by U.S. Attorney Breon Peace, offers a tale of high-level political intrigue and potential corruption.
A Complex Allegation
Sun is charged with money laundering conspiracy, attempting to smuggle an immigrant into the United States, and a false statement under oath in bankruptcy court. Her husband, Christopher Hu, has also been involved in the investigation and charged with money laundering conspiracy; bank fraud charges were filed against him as well, along with misuse of means of identification. Sun and Hu have both pleaded not guilty to all charges.
According to the federal indictment, Sun leveraged her political influence on behalf of elements of the Chinese government. Federal prosecutors claim that Sun was a “covert (Chinese) agent” who carried out missions for the benefit of Beijing and collected large payments. Some of the perks Sun and Hu allegedly got cashed in for millions, fancy stuff like Nanjing-style salt ducks prepared by a Chinese official’s personal chef.
How It All Unfolded
Sun first entered New York politics in 2009 when she began working for Representative Grace Meng. Quickly moving up the ladder over time, she eventually served as director of Asian American affairs under Governor Andrew Cuomo and later was tapped for deputy chief of staff to now-Governor Kathy Hochul. But in March 2023, her reign was over: she was terminated after the governor’s office received information about impropriety.
According to the indictment, Sun often served as a behind-the-scenes adviser on matters related to Taiwan and China who leveraged her position in attempts at curbing Taiwanese diplomacy efforts while shaping positive messaging around China—all with an eye toward “helping management secure official money” for wild initiatives like those unauthorized meetings between Chinese officials (including spy masters) and New York state government personnel. In one case, Sun is suspected of interfering with a message regarding congratulations to Taiwan’s president, another helping authorities in China gain insight into private state government calls on dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Role of Christopher Hu
Sun’s husband, Hu, is accused of helping to move the kickbacks and launder them even though he was not a state worker. The pair allegedly acquired those properties and a range of luxury vehicles—including a Ferrari—using the proceeds from their myriad scams. The indictment accuses that the ETF traders concealed their identities by using shell companies and other methods.
Defense by the Sun and Law Processes
Sun’s defense lawyers have called the charges inflammatory and overreaching. They say they are confident in their case and eager to make their case at trial. Likewise, Hu’s attorneys are ready to contest the allegations and insist both defendants’ look forward to a trial.
You have to believe Governor Kathy Hochul, who soon after the revelations broke expressed shock and anger at the surprising charges against Sun—breaking almost every rule in Dem politics by describing a witch-hunt investigation as precisely that and claiming (factually) that his violation was caught early on and reported to law enforcement.
Political Repercussions
The case also has broader political implications. Sun and Hu are both high-profile Chinese politicians, an issue close to things like foreign influence or national security. In addition to pointing out weaknesses in the political system and possible foreign interference, this indictment raises concerns about whether public officials can be bought.
Cuomo’s office, meanwhile, has said that Sun didn’t have much contact with Cuomo directly while he was in the state; Hochul’s office noted only that she does not condone what Jackson and Sun are charged of doing. The case highlights the need to defend accuracy and transparency from foreign interference in government functions.
Looking Ahead
The legal process for Sun and Hu is also ongoing, with their next court date set for Sept. 25. This will not only have significant implications for how foreign influence is dealt with or overseen by the U.S. political apparatus if filed here in United States territorial jurisdictions.
The narratives that accompany these charges, including how the legal arguments are made and whether they withstand judicial scrutiny as cases proceed through trial, will be of equal importance. At this point, the scenario serves as a sobering reminder of how difficult it is to keep public office honest when competing interests come banging behind closed doors.
