A former aide to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Linda Sun, has been arrested and accused of acting on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) while working for the state government. Sun, along with her husband Chris Hu, were arrested on September 3, 2024, and charged with several offenses, including violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, alien smuggling, and money laundering conspiracy.
The indictment alleges that Sun and Hu, while seemingly serving the people of New York, secretly worked to advance the interests of the Chinese government and the CCP. Their actions, according to the indictment, resulted in millions of dollars in illicit gains, which were used to purchase properties in New York and Hawaii.
Sun, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in China, served as deputy chief of staff to Governor Hochul, and had previously worked under Hochul’s predecessor, Andrew Cuomo. She has been barred from having any contact with the People’s Republic of China’s consulate and mission. Sun and Hu pleaded not guilty during their initial court appearance and were released on bond.
Governor Hochul, addressing reporters on Wednesday, expressed confidence in the state’s employee vetting program, stating that it involves thorough background checks. However, the case has raised concerns about potential vulnerabilities in the vetting process. Sun’s defense attorney, Jarrod Schaeffer, maintains that his client is innocent and plans to contest the charges in court.
The arrest and charges against Sun have drawn significant attention and sparked a debate about the influence of foreign governments in U.S. politics. The incident also highlights the challenges faced by the United States in addressing potential threats from foreign actors operating within its borders. The case is expected to proceed in court, with further legal developments anticipated in the coming months.
