Linda Sun, a former aide to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, and her husband, Chris Hu, were arrested on Tuesday on charges related to violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, alien smuggling, and money laundering conspiracy. Sun, who previously served as deputy chief of staff to Hochul, was known for advocating for equity policies in government leadership.
In a resurfaced video from 2021, Sun participated in a webinar discussing diversity, inclusion, and equity in government. She emphasized the importance of ensuring equal access for all individuals to have their ideas heard, particularly highlighting the underrepresentation of Asian Americans in leadership roles.
Sun referenced a 2018 executive order signed by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo that prioritized diversity, inclusion, and equity in state agencies. She suggested that job candidate pools should include a diverse range of candidates to promote fairness and representation.
Prosecutors allege that Sun acted on behalf of the Chinese government by facilitating high-level state visits to China and impeding meetings between Taiwanese representatives and American officials. It is believed that Chinese officials orchestrated financial transactions for Hu, which were used to purchase properties and luxury items in the United States.
In 2023, Sun was terminated from her position due to evidence of misconduct. The Hochul administration promptly reported her actions to law enforcement and cooperated with the investigation. Sun's attorney expressed concerns about the charges, stating that they intend to defend against the accusations in court.
The case involving Linda Sun and Chris Hu underscores the complexities of foreign influence in government affairs and the importance of upholding transparency and integrity in public service.
