Former high-level official in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office charged with acting as an unregistered agent for the Chinese government, money laundering, and other offenses. Linda Sun allegedly influenced administrations towards China’s interests, received millions in benefits. Arrest sparked discussions in the Chinese community. Colleagues praised Sun’s work but were unaware of her alleged activities. Calls for caution when interacting with overseas Chinese organizations.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn has disclosed charges against a former high-ranking official in Governor Kathy Hochul’s office for allegedly acting as an unregistered agent for the Chinese government, money laundering, and other offenses. Linda Sun, who previously worked in the administration of former Governor Andrew Cuomo before becoming deputy chief of staff in Hochul’s office, is accused of influencing both administrations in favor of Chinese interests.
The indictment against Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, alleges that they received millions of dollars from Chinese government representatives to advance their agenda, which they used to purchase luxury properties and vehicles. The couple also allegedly received gifts and favors from Chinese officials, including event tickets and personal chef-prepared meals.
The charges against Sun primarily revolve around the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which mandates individuals working on behalf of foreign entities to register with the U.S. Attorney General. The indictment claims that Sun failed to register and concealed her activities on behalf of Chinese government representatives.
Sun’s termination from the state Department of Labor in March 2023 for unspecified misconduct led to the discovery of her alleged illicit activities. Governor Hochul’s office promptly reported the findings to law enforcement and cooperated with the investigation.
One of the main allegations against Sun is her purported influence on the governor’s office regarding Taiwan-China relations. She is accused of blocking interactions between Taiwanese officials and the governors, manipulating public statements to favor China, and arranging meetings between Chinese government officials and Governor Hochul during her tenure as lieutenant governor.
The indictment also details instances where Sun allegedly facilitated communications and gestures of gratitude towards Chinese government officials, while downplaying similar gestures towards Taiwan. She is accused of manipulating public statements, securing visas for Chinese delegations, and advocating for Chinese interests within the state government.
Sun and Hu pleaded not guilty to the charges, were released on bond, and their travel was restricted to specific states. Prosecutors are seeking to have them forfeit their assets if convicted, including their Long Island mansion and luxury vehicles.
The arrest of Linda Sun has sparked discussions within the Chinese community in New York, with many expressing surprise at the allegations against her. Community leaders praised Sun’s previous work but emphasized the need for caution when engaging with overseas organizations to avoid legal implications.
Chinese community activists called for fair treatment and refrained from passing judgment on Sun and Hu, highlighting the importance of understanding U.S. laws and regulations when interacting with foreign entities. They stressed the distinction between individual actions and broader community affiliations, urging the government to differentiate between Chinese Americans and the Chinese government.
Despite the charges, supporters of Sun, including Queens State Sen. John Liu, defended her character and professionalism, urging a fair legal process before drawing conclusions. Liu cautioned against a rush to judgment, citing past instances where prominent Chinese Americans faced baseless accusations that later proved unfounded.
In conclusion, the case against Linda Sun underscores the importance of transparency and adherence to legal requirements when engaging with foreign entities, especially for government officials. The allegations highlight the complexities of navigating international relations and the significance of upholding legal standards in such interactions.
Source: TheCity.NYC