Linda Sun, a former aide to former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and current New York Governor Kathy Hochul, has been indicted. Acting as an unregistered foreign agent For the Chinese government.
Sun, who worked in New York state government for nearly 15 years, has been accused of using his position to advance Chinese interests in exchange for small financial kickbacks from the Chinese government. Sun’s husband, Christopher Hu, has also been implicated in the charges.
Sun, formerly Hochul’s deputy chief of staff, is alleged to have Seats arranged between Chinese officials and New York state representatives and issued “fraudulent invitations to induce foreign nationals to illegally enter the United States,” according to the Brooklyn prosecutor. She is accused of changing official New York State messaging on issues critical of China.
In return, Sun’s husband’s business in China allegedly received millions of dollars, which the couple used to buy luxury properties—such as their $3.6 million home in Manhasset, New York, and a $1.9 million condo in Honolulu—and a brand-spanning new Ferrari. Other gifts included concert and ballet tickets and the delivery of “Nanjing-style salted duck” prepared by the Chinese official’s personal chef.
Her husband is accused of bank fraud and money laundering.
The investigation appears to have begun after Sun left his role as deputy chief of staff after 15 months for a job at the Labor Department. She was fired from that position in 2023 after the governor’s office found “evidence of misconduct.” That exact evidence has not yet been made clear, but Avi Small, press secretary to Gov. Hochul, told CNN As a result they were working closely with law enforcement.
Both Sun and Hu pleaded not guilty after authorities raided their Long Island home. Both have been released on bond. Gov. Hochul, who will run for a second term in 2026, expressed outrage at the entire ordeal, saying Surya’s actions were a betrayal of public trust.
Post New York governor’s aide charged as paid ‘agent’ of China who bought Ferrari with illegal money appeared first Vice.
Post New York governor’s aide charged as paid ‘agent’ of China who bought Ferrari with illegal money appeared first Vice.