Linda Sun, a former aide to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, was arrested on Tuesday morning along with her husband, Christopher Hu, for allegedly acting as an undisclosed agent for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The arrest followed an FBI raid on their Long Island home.
Sun, 41, faces several charges, including violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, and money laundering conspiracy. Her husband, Hu, 40, has been charged with money laundering conspiracy and bank fraud. According to federal authorities, the couple allegedly funneled millions of dollars through illegal activities to benefit the Chinese government.
The indictment claims that Sun used her influence in New York state government to facilitate meetings for Chinese officials while obstructing efforts by Taiwan representatives to engage with state officials. The couple reportedly used the illicit funds to purchase luxury properties, including a $4.1 million home in Long Island and a $2.1 million condo in Hawaii, as well as high-end vehicles like a 2024 Ferrari.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace emphasized the seriousness of the charges, stating that Sun and her husband enriched themselves at the expense of American interests. Peace added that this case reflects the ongoing federal effort to combat foreign influence in American politics.
Gov. Hochul’s administration responded swiftly to the discovery of Sun’s misconduct, terminating her employment in March 2023 and assisting law enforcement with their investigation.
