Former Hochul Aide and Husband Arrested on Sealed Charges

Linda Sun, a former senior aide to New York governors Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo, has been charged with acting as a secret agent for the Chinese government. Alongside her husband, Chris Hu, she faces multiple charges, including money laundering and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Their home in Manhasset, Long Island, was raided by federal investigators in July, following Sun's termination from the governor's office due to suspicious activities. Sun's alleged misconduct includes securing unauthorized invitation letters for Chinese officials to meet with New York state officials, as well as blocking Taiwanese representatives from accessing high-ranking officials. These actions reportedly served the interests of the Chinese government, particularly during sensitive times related to Taiwan and the COVID-19 pandemic. The couple's financial dealings have come under scrutiny, with authorities suggesting that they used benefits from their alleged activities to purchase a $4.1 million home. Governor Hochul expressed her dismay at the betrayal of trust, emphasizing that Sun was fired immediately upon discovery of misconduct. This case highlights the increasing concern in the U.S. regarding foreign influence and espionage, particularly from China. The U.S. government has been ramping up efforts to address these issues, especially in sectors like military and technology, as geopolitical tensions continue to rise.