Former NY State Official Charged with Acting as an Undisclosed Agent for China

On Wednesday, September 4th, Linda Sun, a former high-ranking New York State government employee and aide to Governor Kathy Hochul, was indicted in Brooklyn federal court for allegedly acting as an undisclosed agent of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The indictment charges Sun with violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), visa fraud, alien smuggling, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Her husband, Chris Hu, is also charged with money laundering conspiracy and bank fraud.

United States Attorney Breon Peace emphasized the severity of the charges, stating, “As alleged, while appearing to serve the people of New York as Deputy Chief of Staff within the New York State Executive Chamber, the defendant and her husband actually worked to further the interests of the Chinese government and the CCP. The illicit scheme enriched the defendant’s family to the tune of millions of dollars. Our Office will act decisively to prosecute those who serve as undisclosed agents of a foreign government.”

According to the indictment, Sun used her position to covertly promote the interests of the PRC and CCP, including obstructing access for Taiwanese representatives to New York State officials and arranging unauthorized meetings between PRC delegations and state officials. Sun and her husband allegedly laundered millions of dollars derived from these illicit activities, using the funds to purchase luxury properties and vehicles in the United States.

FBI Acting Assistant Director Christie M. Curtis highlighted the national security implications of the case, stating, “Linda Sun, a former New York State government employee, acted as an undisclosed agent of the Chinese government while her husband, Christopher Hu, facilitated the transfer of millions of dollars in kickbacks for personal gain. The FBI is committed to protecting the American people from any threat actors who seek to influence officials at the direction of foreign entities.”

Thomas M. Fattorusso, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, added, “Sun and her husband then laundered millions of dollars for the foreign country and used the monetary benefits of this scheme to buy luxury vehicles and million-dollar properties here in New York. It is with the unwavering determination of federal law enforcement to root out foreign agents and their schemes that Sun and Hu will now face justice for their criminal acts.”