A former state aide, accused of living extravagantly on millions in kickbacks from China, is going to trial. This case might reveal significant Chinese influence in Albany.
Prosecutors claim that Linda Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, received these funds to promote Chinese interests in New York. They allegedly used the money to indulge in luxurious purchases, including a $4 million mansion on Long Island and a $2 million vacation home in Hawaii, as well as high-end vehicles like a Ferrari Roma.
The jury in Brooklyn federal court is expected to hear opening statements on Wednesday.
Sun, age 42, is said to have leveraged her governmental role to sway officials like Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo in favor of China.
According to prosecutors, individuals loyal to Beijing funneled considerable sums into Hu’s businesses in China and provided perks ranging from ballet tickets to meticulously prepared salted duck from a personal chef.
Sun began her career in Albany in 2009 as an aide to former Congresswoman Grace Meng and rose to become the director of Asian American affairs under Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 amidst allegations of misconduct.
Evidence presented in court may show that Sun bragged to a Chinese consulate official about how Cuomo had stopped him from thanking Taiwan publicly. This came after Taiwan sent New York 200,000 masks at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But when China subsequently supplied one million surgical masks, Sun allegedly managed to convince Cuomo to extend gratitude to the Chinese consul general on social media instead.
Sun reportedly obstructed a meeting between Taiwanese officials and state leaders, claiming credit for persuading Cuomo to omit Taiwan in official communications.
In a text to a consulate official, Sun expressed anxiety over referring to Taiwan as a country, indicating he was quickly corrected by reporters.
Additionally, Sun reportedly had a Chinese handler secretly listen in on a government conference call in March 2020 that was focused on pandemic response.
After Cuomo’s departure, Sun was elevated to deputy chief of staff under Hochul.
She was ultimately dismissed in March 2023 after misconduct allegations came to light, leading to law enforcement involvement.
Documents reveal that the couple was allegedly showered with gifts from the Chinese government, which included a variety of perks like tickets to the Guangzhou Ballet and specially prepared meals delivered to their home.
Despite Sun and Hu’s questionable financial activity, they reportedly acquired a high-value home, a beach-view condo, and several luxury cars, all while Sun’s salary was capped at $145,000 and Hu underreported income from his seafood export business.
Sun, along with Hu, have pleaded not guilty to several charges, including violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act and money laundering, potential offenses that could lead to lengthy prison sentences.
Defense attorneys argue that the government is highlighting their lavish lifestyles to obscure weaknesses in the case.
One of Sun’s lawyers contended in court that the indictment stems from the idea that the couple’s wealth must indicate some hidden wrongdoing.
The lawyer further remarked that discussions around ethics and undisclosed gifts have led to unwarranted assumptions about the couple’s relations with China.
