Once seen as a rising star in New York politics, Linda Sun lived a double life that now reads like a political thriller.
Federal prosecutors allege that the 41-year-old former aide to Governor Kathy Hochul wasn’t just managing state affairs — she was secretly acting on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party, quietly shaping decisions and policies in Beijing’s favor.
While her state paycheck totaled $145,000, prosecutors claim her real fortune came from millions funneled through hidden business deals and covert payments from Chinese officials.
Those funds, investigators say, financed a glamorous lifestyle far beyond the reach of any government salary.
A Life of Wealth Behind Closed Doors
Prosecutors painted a picture of extravagance: a $3.6 million Long Island mansion, a $1.9 million condo in Hawaii, and even a 2024 Ferrari Roma worth nearly a quarter of a million dollars.
According to the Wall Street Journal, these purchases were made largely in cash — an eyebrow-raising detail that federal investigators say ties directly to the alleged Chinese funding pipeline.
Sun’s husband, Chris Hu, was allegedly the key middleman in the operation.
Through his businesses, he is accused of laundering funds from China and channeling them into the couple’s luxury properties and investments.
Cozy Connections with Beijing
The accusations go beyond money. Prosecutors say Sun was deeply embedded with Chinese government insiders, even attending private dinners featuring delicacies cooked by a Chinese consulate chef.
She reportedly made regular trips back to China and was spotted celebrating the 70th anniversary of Communist Party rule inside Beijing’s prestigious Great Hall of the People.
In exchange for her loyalty, the indictment claims, Sun received support for her husband’s ventures in China and lavish perks such as exclusive tickets to Chinese orchestra and ballet performances — all unreported to U.S. authorities.
Alleged Manipulation of State Affairs
In her government role, Sun held considerable influence.
She allegedly blocked Taiwanese officials from high-level meetings with New York State representatives and rewrote communications to favor China’s image.
At one point, she reportedly gave a Chinese diplomat private access to a state conference call — a major breach of protocol that prosecutors say placed U.S. interests at risk.
Her conduct, federal attorneys argue, violated internal state policies and directly benefited the Chinese government.
A Pandemic Payoff Scheme
The couple’s alleged profiteering didn’t stop at politics.
During the height of the COVID-19 crisis, Sun and Hu are accused of generating $2.3 million in kickbacks from personal protective equipment (PPE) imports.
Court filings suggest these deals were tied to a vendor Sun herself helped install as an official supplier for New York State.
The Courtroom Drama Begins
This week, Sun’s high-profile trial opened in federal court in Brooklyn, presided over by Judge Brian Cogan — the same judge who sentenced drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman to life in prison.
Potential jurors faced a series of questions probing their attitudes toward China and Taiwan, an indication of how politically charged the case has become.
Sun faces a laundry list of charges: violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, money laundering, visa fraud, and bank fraud.
Her husband faces similar accusations. Both have pleaded not guilty.
The Defense Pushes Back
Sun’s attorneys argue that her work never crossed into illegal territory.
They insist her outreach to Chinese officials was consistent with U.S. diplomatic and economic goals, not foreign espionage.
“Her conduct aligned with national objectives,” the defense wrote, adding that labeling her a foreign agent “defies logic.”
Her legal team maintains that Sun’s career in public service — which began back in 2009 — shows a long-standing commitment to New York’s development, not to Beijing’s agenda.
From Rising Star to Political Pariah
Before her downfall, Sun was regarded as a key figure in New York’s Asian outreach efforts.
She started her career under Assemblymember Grace Meng, now a member of Congress, before moving to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s administration in 2012.
Over the years, she climbed the ranks — serving as Global New York Trade Manager, Asian Outreach Director, and eventually Chief Diversity Officer.
When Hochul became governor, Sun was promoted again, taking on the powerful role of Deputy Chief of Staff in 2021.
But in early 2023, her ascent came to an abrupt halt.
She was quietly fired after “evidence of misconduct” surfaced, according to state officials.
The matter was immediately referred to law enforcement.
The Fallout and What Comes Next
After leaving public office, Sun briefly joined the New York Department of Labor before managing a Congressional campaign for Democrat Austin Cheng, which ended unsuccessfully.
Now, she’s fighting for her freedom as prosecutors unravel what they call a years-long web of deceit, manipulation, and greed.
If convicted, both Sun and Hu face decades behind bars.
As the trial continues, one thing is clear — the case has sent shockwaves through Albany and Washington alike, reigniting concerns about foreign influence in U.S. politics and how deeply it might already run.