A former aide to New York governors was charged with being an illegal Chinese agent, using her positions for financial gain. Linda Sun, with ties to both Cuomo and Hochul, was arrested for blocking Taiwanese officials and shaping NY messaging to benefit China. In exchange, she and her husband received millions, buying luxury properties and cars.

The allegations reveal Chinese influence at high levels of NY government for years. Sun and Hu pleaded not guilty, part of a DOJ effort to root out Chinese agents. Sun, a U.S. citizen born in China, worked in state government for 15 years before being fired for misconduct.

The indictment detailed Sun’s actions to help China, including preventing Taiwan meetings and altering Hochul’s speeches. The FBI searched their home in Manhasset and charged Sun with FARA violations, money laundering, and aiding visa fraud. Cuomo’s camp downplayed Sun’s influence, stating she had minimal contact.

Sun and Hu live in a gated Long Island community, where they bought a mansion in 2021. The case highlights ongoing concerns about Chinese espionage in the U.S., with authorities working to uncover and prosecute such activities.

Associated Press reporters Michael R. Sisak in New York and Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.

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