Chinese National Allegedly Acted as Unregistered Agent for China
A former chief of staff to New York Governors Cathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo, Linda Sun, is accused of leading a lavish lifestyle funded by kickbacks while acting as an undeclared agent for China, according to federal prosecutors.
Sun, 41, allegedly worked as an unregistered agent for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and used her influence to sway state governors in favor of the Chinese government. During her trial, prosecutors claimed that despite her government salary of $145,000, she profited millions through clandestine deals arranged by Chinese authorities. Reports indicated that Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, 42, used the money to acquire a $3.6 million mansion in Long Island, a $1.9 million condo in Hawaii, and even a 2024 Ferrari Roma valued at $243,300.
Prosecutors asserted that Sun maintained regular communication with CCP officials, even attending a dinner at the Chinese consulate where a Nanjing-style salted duck was served. The court heard testimony that she frequently traveled to China, celebrating significant events like the 70th anniversary of the CCP in Beijing.
Additionally, it was alleged that the funds from China were funneled through Hu’s businesses. The couple is also accused of receiving $2.3 million in kickbacks linked to the importation of personal protective equipment during the pandemic.
Sun joined the Cuomo administration in 2012 and held multiple positions, eventually becoming the Chief Diversity Officer in 2018. By September 2021, she stepped into the role of deputy chief of staff under Hochul, but was terminated 15 months later due to suspected misconduct.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Sun transferred to the New York Department of Labor in November 2022 as deputy director of strategic business development but left just a few months later. A source indicated that her departure was also related to findings of misconduct, which were referred to law enforcement, although details remain scarce.
Sun faces charges for violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering, maintaining her innocence throughout the proceedings. Her legal team argued that her actions were lawful and aligned with U.S. national interests, thus not necessitating foreign agent registration.
Her husband, Hu, has also been charged and pleaded not guilty. Efforts to obtain comments from Sun’s lawyer were unsuccessful.
Other allegations against Sun include preventing Taiwanese government representatives from communicating with New York officials and manipulating messages concerning the CCP. Both Sun and Hu are alleged to have laundered $15.8 million into the U.S. via Hu’s lobster export business, alongside transferring undeclared cash through various channels. This money is purportedly what funded their extravagant lifestyle.
Reports also indicate that Sun received undisclosed tickets to performances by visiting Chinese orchestras and ballet companies, raising further questions about her activities.
