Former New York Deputy Chief of Staff Charged with Acting as Agent for Chinese Government

A former deputy chief of staff to New York's Governor has been indicted on charges of acting as an agent for the Chinese government. According to a federal indictment, 41-year-old Linda Sun allegedly "acted at the order, direction, or request" of Beijing, receiving millions of dollars in kickbacks in return for her cooperation.

The indictment claims that Sun "acted as an undisclosed agent" of both the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Prosecutors allege that Sun, along with her husband and co-defendant Christopher Hu, used the illegal funds to acquire high-end real estate and luxury vehicles.

In addition to the primary charges, the couple is accused of participating in a money laundering conspiracy. Both Sun and Hu have entered not guilty pleas to all charges.

Sun was dismissed from her position nearly two years ago, shortly after Kathy Hochul became New York Governor in 2021. Governor Hochul’s office discovered "evidence of misconduct" which was promptly reported to the authorities, leading to Sun’s termination. However, Governor Hochul has not disclosed specific details regarding the alleged misconduct.

In addition to the allegations of acting as an agent of a foreign government, Sun and Hu face charges of visa fraud and violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Prosecutors argue that Sun’s husband, Hu, "facilitated the transfer of millions of dollars in kickbacks for personal gain."

According to the indictment, the couple laundered large sums of money to purchase luxury items, including a Ferrari, as well as properties in Hawaii and New York. "The illicit scheme enriched the defendant’s family to the tune of millions of dollars," stated U.S. Attorney Breon Peace.

Sun and Hu are scheduled to appear in court again on September 25.

By fLEXI tEAM