In a sweeping federal indictment unsealed on 3 September 2024, Linda Sun, a former high-ranking aide to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and her husband, Chris Hu, were charged with secretly acting as agents for the Chinese government. The charges stem from a years-long scheme in which Sun allegedly used her influence within the New York State government to advance the interests of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and its ruling Communist Party, all while receiving millions of dollars in kickbacks and gifts.
Ducks And Deception
One of the more unusual details of the indictment involves deliveries of Nanjing-style salted ducks to the home of Sun’s parents. These gourmet meals, prepared by a chef associated with the Chinese consulate, were sent on multiple occasions, beginning in July 2021. Prosecutors allege that these shipments were a part of the broader pattern of bribes given to Linda Sun in exchange for her efforts to stifle pro-Taiwan activities and discussions within New York’s government.
Blocking Taiwan And Silencing Dissent
Linda Sun, who served as deputy chief of staff under Governor Hochul after working for Governor Andrew Cuomo, is accused of using her position to block Taiwanese officials from meeting with New York state leaders.
According to the indictment, Sun eliminated references to Taiwan from state communications, obstructed meetings between Taiwanese diplomats and New York officials, and ensured that state representatives did not publicly criticise China’s treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority.
The indictment outlines several incidents illustrating Sun’s influence. In one case, Sun instructed a state assembly member to decline a meeting invitation from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, asserting that avoiding wading into the sensitive China-Taiwan issue was important. On another occasion, Sun reportedly blocked an invitation for Governor Cuomo to attend a banquet hosted by Taiwanese officials, providing the false pretext that Cuomo was occupied with a staff event.
Andrew Cuomo distanced himself from Sun through a spokesperson, noting that she held only minor positions during his tenure and had little interaction with him. Cuomo’s spokesperson emphasised Sun’s promotions and significant responsibilities under Hochul’s administration.
Infiltrating New York State Government
The 65-page indictment describes how Sun’s actions were part of a broader effort by the Chinese government to infiltrate and influence the New York State government. Despite lacking proper authorisation, Sun allegedly arranged for Chinese officials to receive official proclamations bearing the state seal and the governor’s signature. While symbolically significant, these formal documents hold little real power, yet they were highly valued by the Chinese officials who received them.
Prosecutors assert that Sun also facilitated travel for Chinese officials by providing unauthorised invitation letters from the governor’s office, making it easier for these officials to enter the United States. Furthermore, in 2021, Sun allegedly allowed a Chinese government official to “shape the content” of Governor Hochul’s public remarks, ensuring that the governor avoided sensitive issues like the persecution of Uyghurs in China.
Laundered Millions, Lived Lavish Lifestyle
Sun and Hu are accused of laundering the funds they received from Chinese officials through shell entities and bank accounts, which financed a lavish lifestyle. Among the assets purchased with these illicit gains were a $3.6 million mansion in Manhasset, Long Island, a $1.9 million condominium in Honolulu, Hawaii, and luxury vehicles, including a 2024 Ferrari Roma.
Prosecutors described the couple’s financial dealings as complex, with evidence spanning multiple transactions and involving more than 80 different bank accounts. The indictment suggests Sun and Hu operated numerous shell companies to conceal their activities and evade detection.
Sun & Husband Deny Allegations
Linda Sun and Chris Hu were arrested on 3 September 2024 and subsequently appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo in Brooklyn federal court, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges. The indictment includes ten criminal counts against Sun, including visa fraud, money laundering, and acting as an unregistered foreign agent. Hu faces three counts, including bank fraud conspiracy.
Both defendants were released on bond, with Sun’s set at $1.5 million and Hu’s at $500,000. While the case is pending, officials confiscated their passports and restricted their travel to certain areas. The couple will appear next in court on 25 September 2024.
Sun’s attorney, Jarrod Schaeffer, stated that his client is “understandably upset” by the charges and is eager to address them in court. He characterised some allegations as “inflammatory” and “perplexing,” expressing confidence in the defence’s strength.
A Broader Crackdown On Foreign Influence?
The charges against Sun and Hu are said to be a part of a broader initiative by the U.S. Department of Justice to crack down on individuals accused of acting on behalf of foreign adversaries, such as China and Russia, without registering as required by U.S. law. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn has been particularly active in these efforts, with recent cases involving espionage and covert operations carried out on American soil by Chinese agents.
Last month, Shujun Wang, a 75-year-old academic from Queens who posed as a democracy activist, was convicted of spying for the Chinese Communist Party. In another case, three men were convicted of stalking a family in New Jersey on behalf of the Chinese government, and two others were charged with operating a secret Chinese police station in Lower Manhattan.
Chinese Govt Denies Involvement
The case against Sun has drawn attention to the delicate and increasingly fraught relations between the United States and China, particularly over issues such as Taiwan, trade, and technology. The Chinese government has dismissed the charges as part of a broader U.S. effort to “slander and smear” China, though they have not provided a detailed response to the specific allegations.
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