Who is Linda Sun? Political staffer allegedly worked as Chinese agent while serving prominent NY governors

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Linda Sun, a name once associated with hard work and dedication within New York’s political circles, now stands at the center of a shocking scandal.

Sun's journey into the halls of power began approximately 15 years ago when she arrived in Albany as a young political staffer.

Over the years, she navigated through the intricacies of state government, eventually finding herself in the prestigious executive chamber, as per New York Post.

However, her story took a drastic turn when federal authorities accused her of using her position to further Chinese interests within New York's government.

Linda Sun's sudden arrest on serious charges shakes political landscape of New York

The political landscape was shaken when Linda Sun, along with her husband Christopher Hu, was arrested on charges including violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, alien smuggling, and money laundering conspiracy.

The couple has pleaded not guilty to all charges, yet the gravity of the allegations has left those familiar with Sun in disbelief.

"There’s nobody who worked in or around politics in the Asian American community who knew Linda Sun who isn’t absolutely floored by this," one insider told the New York Post, capturing the shockwaves that have rippled through the community.

State Senator John Liu, who had worked closely with Sun, was quick to defend her, stating, "I’ve worked with Linda Sun for many years and have only known her to be diligent, professional, and conscientious, and she is absolutely innocent until proven otherwise."

According to the indictment unsealed in Brooklyn federal court, Sun and her husband, Christopher, allegedly received millions of dollars in kickbacks in exchange for their roles as foreign agents for China.

These illicit funds, as the indictment claims, were laundered through various channels, including the purchase of a $4 million mansion in Manhasset, Long Island.

The couple's sudden acquisition of such a lavish property raised immediate suspicion, especially considering Sun's modest background and her husband's unremarkable business ventures, including owning a liquor store.

Linda Sun’s political career began in 2009 when she became ally to Grace Meng

Linda Sun’s political career began in earnest in 2009 when she became a close ally and chief of staff to then-Assemblywoman Grace Meng.

Their bond was strong, with one source noting, "They got to Albany and didn’t have anybody except each other."

As Meng’s influence within the Democratic Party grew, so did Sun’s prominence. Her work ethic and dedication were frequently praised, and she eventually took on roles within the administrations of former Governor Andrew Cuomo and current Governor Kathy Hochul.

Sun’s role within the state government expanded over the years, particularly in areas concerning Asian-American affairs.

Her responsibilities included working with the Empire State Development office, where she managed trade missions and handled a portfolio focusing on Asian countries, including China.

Sun also held positions within the Department of Financial Services, where she dealt with inter-governmental affairs. Her rise within the political ranks seemed unstoppable—until the shocking allegations surfaced.

The indictment reveals that Sun had voluntarily sat for an interview with the FBI in July 2020.

While the exact purpose of the interview remains unclear, it is noted that the agents discussed the Foreign Agents Registration Act and a think tank’s report on Chinese influence operations with her.

Despite this, Sun continued her political career, even being appointed as a deputy chief of staff to the executive chamber in 2021 following Cuomo’s resignation.

However, in March 2023, Sun’s career came to an abrupt halt. The Hochul administration, after uncovering evidence of misconduct, terminated her employment and promptly reported the findings to law enforcement.