There’s something significant happening.
Linda San, a former aide to the government, finds herself in hot water alongside Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo. They’re facing accusations related to spying for China and will remain free on bail after appearing before a federal judge on Monday due to new bribery allegations.
San’s husband, Chris Hu, entered a not guilty plea in a brief court session in Brooklyn, which hints at a larger trial. This will delve into claims that they acted as foreign agents for the Republic of China and its community parties while holding high-ranking positions in New York’s government.
Just last week, a federal jury added more charges against San and Hu after a probe revealed they allegedly profited $8 million from a kickback scheme tied to personal protective equipment during the COVID pandemic.
The two PPE vendors involved were reportedly operated by Hu’s second cousin and his associates, according to federal claims. San is said to have altered her email to suggest one of the companies was referred by the China-based Chamber of Commerce.
The cousin allegedly provided a $2.3 million kickback to San and Hu, as claimed by federal investigators.
San’s trial is expected to kick off the day before former boss Andrew Cuomo participates in the New York mayoral election. Despite a challenge from socialist candidate Zoran Mamdani in the Democratic primary, Cuomo remains on the ballot as an independent.
The judge has kept San’s and Hu’s bail at $1.5 million and $500,000, respectively, which was set after their initial charges as Chinese foreign agents in September. This means they’ll stay out of federal custody until their trial begins.
San, 41, donned a blue dress as she maintained her innocence alongside 40-year-old Hu during their recent court appearance. Their trial is slated to start on November 3rd.
San had worked in Hochul’s office until 2023. A spokesperson for Hochul stated, “She was hired by the Enforcement Office over a decade ago and her employment concluded in March 2023 after evidence of fraud came to light. We promptly notified law enforcement and cooperated with them throughout the investigation.”
