Trial of Suspected Spy and Alleged Corruption Scheme

A Chinese suspect, Linda Sun, allegedly faked the signature of a lieutenant during her trial. Federal officials claim she sent a letter to important officials in Henan province, purportedly signed by Governor Kathy Hochul.

In Brooklyn federal court, jurors examined a letter from March 26, 2018, supposedly inviting a six-member delegation from Henan to meet with former Governor Andrew Cuomo. However, testimony revealed that the signature was forged, with Hochul’s former chief of staff, Jeff Lewis, noting its unusual handwriting.

Lewis remarked, “It’s not how she usually signs her name. The ‘K’ is notably different,” adding that the handwriting seemed “too loopy or bubbly.”

The letter implied that the delegation could discuss investment and trade cooperation with New York. Prosecutors assert that Sun, who held a position in Cuomo’s administration, crafted a false identity for the governor’s chief official, attempting to win favor with Chinese dignitaries.

At the same time, it’s alleged that Sun’s contacts in Beijing sent lavish gifts to her family and facilitated multimillion-dollar contracts for her husband’s seafood export business. Instead of loyalty to New York, Sun allegedly pushed Chinese policies while in a position of power.

“Her loyalty was for sale,” prosecutor Amanda Shami said in her opening remarks, emphasizing that the Chinese government was prepared to finance her efforts to influence New York.

Additionally, Sun and another individual face charges for accepting illegal kickbacks tied to COVID-19 contracts through a business linked to Sun’s cousin.

Evidence presented on Monday included items retrieved from Sun’s family home in Queens and a mansion in Long Island, leading to suspicions about the extent of their alleged fraud. For instance, a pearl necklace and business cards from Chinese officials were found, along with luxury watches.

Further, testimony revealed that Hochul met with the Henan delegation in June 2018 but only briefly. Sun expressed discomfort when faced with Lewis’s concerns about Hochul’s preparedness for the meeting.

Sun is also accused of involving Chinese consular officials in discussions with New York state about pandemic responses. Additionally, she reportedly pressured Cuomo and Hochul to avoid meeting Taiwanese officials and to refrain from acknowledging Taiwan publicly.

Sun was appointed deputy director of the executive branch but was terminated in March 2023 due to misconduct allegations. The trial is expected to last about three more weeks and will feature various witnesses, including a forthcoming appearance by Sun’s mother, despite defense efforts to prevent that.

The court session will continue with an ethics expert from New York State testifying. Sun has pleaded not guilty to failing to register as a Chinese agent, while Hu denies charges involving bribery and fraud.

Sun’s lawyer portrayed her as a devoted public servant, arguing that her actions reflected typical political behavior, stating, “This New Yorker was working for New York.”

Prosecutors allege that the profits from their scheme funded extravagant purchases, including luxury homes and vehicles. However, Hu’s defense contended that their clients are unjustly targeted due to their affluence, asserting, “Success does not equate to criminality.”