Former Aide to NY Governor Arrested on Federal Charges
Linda Sun, a former top aide to New York's Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, was arrested on Tuesday on federal criminal charges. Sun, who had previously served as Hochul's deputy chief for a year, is accused of acting as an undisclosed agent of China and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Allegations Against Linda Sun
The allegations against Sun are significant. She is accused of working to advance CCP interests in state government and receiving large sums of money in return. She also allegedly facilitated millions of dollars in transactions connected to Chinese government business interests.
One of the most alarming allegations is that Sun blocked representatives of the Taiwanese government from meeting with NY government officials on multiple occasions. Sun's husband, Chris Hu, has also been arrested and implicated in the conspiracy.
Arrest and Assets
Sun and her husband were arrested by the FBI at their luxurious Long Island home on Tuesday. The house is estimated to be worth over $4 million and houses luxury cars, including a 2024 Ferrari.
Indictment Details
The indictment alleges that Sun, acting at the request of PRC government officials and the CCP representative, engaged in numerous political activities in the interests of the PRC and the CCP. She is accused of blocking Taiwanese government representatives from accessing the NY governor’s office and lobbying to change Gov. Hochul's messaging related to China and Taiwan. Sun is also accused of trying to facilitate an official trip of the NY governor to China.
Money Laundering and Other Charges
Prosecutors claim that Sun and her husband laundered the proceeds of their alleged scheme to purchase a $4.1 million home in Manhasset, Long Island, a $2.1 million condominium in Honolulu, and luxury automobiles, including a 2024 Ferrari.
Statement from U.S. Attorney
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace announced on Tuesday that while Sun appeared to serve the people of New York as Deputy Chief of Staff within the New York State Executive Chamber, she and her husband actually worked to further the interests of the Chinese government and the CCP. Peace added that the illicit scheme enriched the defendant’s family to the tune of millions of dollars and vowed to prosecute those who serve as undisclosed agents of a foreign government.
Other Benefits and Charges
Other benefits that Sun allegedly received from the Chinese government include employment for her relatives, luxury meals for her parents in China, event tickets, and the promotion of a family friend's business. Key charges against her include violating and conspiring to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, alien smuggling, and money laundering conspiracy. Her husband Chris has been charged with money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and misuse of means of identification.
Response from Governor's Office
The governor's office has sought to distance Hochul from Sun. Hochul’s press secretary Avi Small stated that Sun was hired by the Executive Chamber more than a decade ago and was terminated in March 2023 after evidence of misconduct was discovered. Small added that her actions were immediately reported to law enforcement and the office has assisted law enforcement throughout the process.
Investigation Timeline
The investigation into Sun's activities has been ongoing for some time. Sun held a series of positions in the state government from 2012 to 2023 and began her high-level position in Hochul's office in September 2021. She also held a staff position in the administration of former Governor Andrew Cuomo and was most recently the Deputy Director of the New York State Department of Labor.
Bottom Line
This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for foreign influence in domestic politics. The allegations against Sun are serious and highlight the need for vigilance in public office. What do you think about this development? Do you believe this will have an impact on the way government officials are vetted in the future? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.
