Former New York state aide accused of espionage for China

Linda Sun’s trip to Beijing in winter 2018 was arranged by a US-based Chinese businessman, who also booked her a presidential suite once used by Michelle Obama, according to federal prosecutors. In 2019, during another visit to Beijing, Sun discussed attending a military parade with the same businessman and later joined a reception for China’s 70th anniversary.

In 2020, the FBI interviewed Sun, a 41-year-old naturalised American originally from China, who had been working for New York State. She held roles such as deputy chief of staff for Gov. Kathy Hochul and aide to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo since 2012.

Sun’s employment with New York State ended in 2023, following her dismissal and the unsealing of an indictment against her and her husband. The state now faces scrutiny over why charges took so long, given the complexities of gathering evidence, experts note.

Former aide to New York governors charged with acting as an agent of the Chinese government https://t.co/hBquItV2J0

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Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, have denied the charges, attributing them to overly aggressive investigations by authorities. Sun’s roles included director of Asian American affairs, where prosecutors allege she obstructed Taiwanese officials from accessing New York officials and ensured Taiwan was rarely mentioned. She also reportedly communicated her success to Chinese consular staff.

In early 2023, Sun was referred to the New York State Inspector General’s Office for requesting unauthorised proclamations from the governor’s office, although she had moved to the Department of Labor. Initially, Sun lied about this but later admitted it was at the behest of a Chinese Consulate official.

The Department of Labor terminated Sun three months later. After her arraignment, Gov. Hochul expressed shock and anger, accusing Sun of betraying public trust. Experts like Rob Kelner of Covington & Burling LLP suggest that the time taken to detect the issue is understandable due to the trust placed in staff and sensitivities around accusing Asian Americans of espionage.

In 2020, the FBI questioned Sun about her trips to China, confronting her with a photo from the anniversary celebration. Sun allegedly lied, claiming the trip was part of her role as an Asian community liaison and concealed who paid for it. Prosecutors assert she failed to disclose interactions with Chinese officials despite legal requirements.

Brian Blais, a former US Attorney, noted that Sun’s position might have helped her evade detection. In 2020, the FBI raided Sun and Hu’s Long Island home, leading to their arrests a month later. The indictment accuses Sun of violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), money laundering, visa fraud, and alien smuggling. Hu faces charges of money laundering conspiracy and bank fraud.

Prosecutors allege Sun and Hu received lavish gifts and promoted their relatives’ businesses in return for their actions. Whether Sun knowingly violated laws will be tested in court. Prosecutors claim evidence shows Sun attended ethics training while working for China.

Kelner explains that FARA cases rely on emails, texts, surveillance, and financial records, which take time to compile. Sun’s alleged unreported kickbacks complicated the case. Howard Master, a former prosecutor, noted that laundering schemes posed challenges for investigators.

As investigations continued, more evidence accumulated, aiding the DOJ’s focus on such enforcement. Other recent cases involve individuals accused of working for China, highlighting the government’s efforts to address foreign influence and national security concerns. Blais emphasised the need for government officials to be vigilant against potential influence attempts.