The United States Justice Department has filed charges against a former top aide to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, accusing the aide of pursuing unlawful “political activities” on behalf of the Chinese government.
The aide in question, Linda Sun, was appointed as Hochul’s deputy chief of staff in 2021 and previously worked under Governor Andrew Cuomo. She and her husband Christopher Hu were arrested on charges of money laundering, visa fraud, and more.
The indictment alleges that Sun acted as an undisclosed agent of the Chinese government, facilitating the transfer of millions of dollars in kickbacks while concealing her relationship with China. The couple allegedly used the illicit funds to purchase luxury vehicles and properties in New York.
Federal prosecutors also accused Sun of offering Chinese officials letters of invitation to travel to the US and arranging meetings with New York State leaders, while hindering Taiwanese officials from meeting with them.
The indictment sheds light on the US Justice Department’s efforts to counter national security threats from China and crack down on alleged foreign interference in American affairs.
Despite the accusations, Sun left her position in the New York governor’s office in 2022, and the case continues to unfold.
