Linda Sun: The Former New York Aide Charged with Spying for China

Linda Sun, a high-ranking official who served as an aide to two New York governors, Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo, has been charged with acting as an undisclosed agent of the Chinese government. Sun, along with her husband Chris Hu, was arrested by the FBI on Tuesday morning at their multimillion-dollar home on Long Island.

According to federal prosecutors, Sun used her growing influence to push the interests of the Chinese government while working in various state government roles. She allegedly blocked representatives of the Taiwanese government from having access to high-level officials in New York state and shaped New York governmental messaging to align with China's priorities.

What Led to the Charges?

The charges against Sun and her husband stem from a lengthy investigation by the FBI, which found evidence of money laundering, falsified signatures, and surreptitious communications. Federal prosecutors believe that Sun received a treasure trove of gifts from the Chinese government for her actions, including lavish trips, expensive jewelry, and other luxury items.

Among the most damaging allegations against Sun is that she worked to undermine the interests of the Taiwanese government while secretly working on behalf of China. This includes blocking attempts by Taiwanese officials to meet with high-ranking New York state officials and suppressing public statements that were critical of China.

Linda Sun's Background and Rise to Power

Linda Sun spent nearly 14 years working in various state government roles in New York. She began her career as an aide to Assemblywoman Grace Meng, who is now a congresswoman, before eventually serving as the deputy chief of staff to Governor Hochul. Sun's rise to power was swift, and she quickly became known as a powerful and influential figure in Albany.

However, Sun's tenure was not without controversy. She was fired from her position at the Department of Labor in 2023 for misconduct, although the exact reason for her dismissal was unclear. Despite this setback, Sun remained a prominent figure in New York state politics until her arrest on Tuesday.

Reactions to the Charges

The news of Sun's arrest sent shockwaves through the New York state government, with many officials expressing surprise and disappointment at the allegations. Some, however, defended Sun, including former New York City Comptroller John Liu, who praised her work ethic and commitment to public service.

"Linda is a good person who has worked tirelessly to serve the state of New York," Liu said in a statement. "I am proud to call her a friend and colleague, and I stand by her during this difficult time.

Others, however, were less quick to defend Sun. "These allegations are deeply troubling and demonstrate a betrayal of the trust placed in public officials," said a spokesperson for Governor Hochul. "We take these charges seriously and will continue to cooperate fully with the investigation.

What's Next?

As the investigation into Linda Sun's activities continues, many are left wondering how someone so high up in the state government could have evaded detection for so long. While the full extent of Sun's activities may never be known, one thing is clear: the people of New York deserve to know the truth about those who serve them.

As the case against Sun and her husband moves forward, we will continue to follow the story and provide updates as more information becomes available.