Feds Charge New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s Chief as Agent of Chinese Communist Party

BROOKLYN, NY – Linda Sun, a former high-ranking New York State government employee, has been charged with acting as an undisclosed agent of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), federal prosecutors announced on Tuesday. Sun, alongside her husband, Chris Hu, was also charged with money laundering conspiracy. The charges include violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Both defendants were arrested and are set to be arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo.

Sun allegedly used her influential positions within New York State, including the Executive Chamber, to further the interests of the PRC and CCP. U.S. Attorney Breon Peace stated that Sun’s actions, “while appearing to serve the people of New York,” were instead designed to enrich her family by millions of dollars and to promote the agendas of the Chinese government. The scheme involved manipulating political activities, granting unauthorized access to PRC representatives, and altering official messaging to favor CCP interests.

In return, Sun and Hu received significant financial rewards and other benefits, which they laundered to acquire luxury assets, including properties in New York and Hawaii valued at over $6 million, and a 2024 Ferrari.

The couple also used fraudulent means to open bank accounts under a relative’s name to conceal their financial activities.

The FBI and IRS, along with other federal agencies, collaborated on the investigation. Sun and Hu now face charges that could result in lengthy prison sentences if convicted.

The case is being prosecuted by the National Security & Cybercrime Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, with assistance from the Justice Department’s National Security Division.