Linda Sun, a former high-ranking aide to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, has been charged with allegedly operating as an agent for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The charges against Sun are serious, accusing her of leveraging her influential positions within state government to further the interests of the CCP at the expense of U.S. security. This case underscores the growing concerns about foreign influence within American institutions, particularly at the state level.
Sun’s tenure in New York state government spans more than a decade, during which she held several pivotal roles. Between 2015 and 2018, Sun served as the Director of External Affairs for Global NY at Empire State Development, where she reportedly blocked Taiwanese government representatives from meeting with state officials. Her influence extended into the Cuomo administration, where she served as the Deputy Chief Diversity Officer from 2018 to 2020. Later, she became the Superintendent for Intergovernmental Affairs at the NYS Department of Financial Services, and eventually, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Hochul.
The allegations suggest that Sun exploited her positions to arrange meetings between New York state officials and Chinese government representatives, providing unauthorized access that allowed Chinese officials to enter the United States unlawfully. Such actions, if proven true, could have severe implications for national security and U.S.-China relations.
Sun’s actions reportedly did not stop after her employment was terminated in March 2023 due to evidence of misconduct. Even after her dismissal, she allegedly continued to attend Asian community events, falsely claiming to still hold a high-ranking position within the New York State Department of Labor. According to the FBI, Sun received millions of dollars in kickbacks from the Chinese government, which she used to purchase luxury items, including a $3.5 million home in Manhasset. This property was the focus of an FBI raid in July 2023, further escalating the case’s significance.
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This case has sparked significant concern among U.S. officials, with former Representative Peter King, who chaired the House Homeland Security Committee, highlighting the potential security risks posed by Sun’s access to sensitive information. The charges against Sun, alongside her husband Chris Hu, who is accused of money laundering conspiracy, illustrate the far-reaching implications of foreign influence operations within the U.S. government. Both have pleaded not guilty and are currently out on bond, with travel restrictions imposed.
For more detailed coverage, visit News 12 Investigates.
