Former Top Aide to New York Governor Arrested for Allegedly Acting as a Foreign Agent for China

Former Top Aide to New York Governor Arrested for Allegedly Acting as a Foreign Agent for China

Linda Sun, who served as New York Governor Kathy Hochul's deputy chief of staff for a year, was arrested on Tuesday on charges of acting as an undisclosed agent for China and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The FBI alleges that Sun, while working in the governor's office and other state agencies, engaged in political activities on behalf of the PRC and CCP, including:

• Blocking Taiwanese representatives from accessing high-level New York state officials.
• Altering messaging of New York state officials on issues of importance to the PRC and CCP.
• Obtaining official proclamations for PRC government representatives without proper authorization.
• Attempting to facilitate a trip to the PRC for a high-level New York state politician.
• Arranging meetings for visiting PRC government delegations with New York state officials.

In exchange for these actions, prosecutors say Sun received substantial economic and other benefits, including millions of dollars facilitated for her husband's PRC-based business activities. She also received gifts like tickets to events, promotion of a family friend's business, employment for her cousin in the PRC, and even special Nanjing-style salted ducks prepared by a PRC government official's personal chef.

Sun's husband, Chris Hu, was also arrested on charges related to money laundering and bank fraud. The couple was arrested at their home in Long Island, which included a $4.1 million house, a $2.1 million condo in Honolulu, and luxury vehicles, including a 2024 Ferrari. Prosecutors believe these assets were acquired through the proceeds of their alleged criminal activities.

Governor Hochul's office has stated that Sun was terminated in March 2023 after discovering evidence of misconduct and immediately reported her actions to law enforcement. They have also cooperated with law enforcement throughout the investigation.

This case highlights the growing concern over foreign influence within American government and institutions. It also raises questions about the vetting process for high-level staff working for elected officials.