A former deputy chief of staff to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has been charged with acting as an undisclosed agent of the Chinese government, according to federal prosecutors. Linda Sun, who held various positions in New York state government before becoming deputy chief of staff for Hochul, was arrested at her Long Island home along with her husband, Chris Hu.
Sun and Hu are expected to appear in court to face the charges, which include allegations that Sun, at the behest of Chinese officials, obstructed representatives of the Taiwanese government from meeting high-level officials in New York state. Additionally, she is accused of altering state government messaging on issues related to China and attempting to arrange a trip to China for a New York politician.
Meanwhile, Hu faces charges of money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and misuse of means of identification. The U.S. attorney's office in Brooklyn stated that the couple's actions enriched their family by millions of dollars.
The FBI conducted a search of the couple's $3.5 million home in Manhasset in late July. Sun, who had worked in state government for about 15 years, previously held positions in the administration of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo before joining Hochul's team. She later took a job at the New York Department of Labor but left in March 2023.
In response to the situation, a spokesperson for Gov. Hochul's office confirmed that Sun was terminated in March 2023 after evidence of misconduct was discovered. The administration promptly reported the matter to law enforcement and has cooperated with authorities throughout the investigation.
Sun and Hu reside in a gated community on Long Island known as Stone Hill. The couple purchased their home in 2021 and placed it in a trust earlier this year, according to records.
