FBI arrested this Tuesday Linda Sunformer deputy chief of staff to the governor of New York, Kathy Hochulfor allegedly acting as an external agent of the Chinese Communist Party and laundering millions of dollars for the Asian country. At 40, Sun, who began working in Democratic politics in 2021, was arrested along with her husband, Chris Hu, 41, in an operation six weeks after the FBI itself raided the couple’s home on Long Island, New York.
Hochul’s former employee faces federal criminal charges for allegedly violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, smuggling, conspiracy and money laundering.
“Acting at the request of government officials and representatives of the Chinese Communist Party,” the Brooklyn federal prosecutor’s office said in a press release, “Sun engaged in numerous political activities, including blocking Taiwanese government officials from accessing New York state officials.
The FBI and a spokesperson for the Eastern District of New York also confirmed the arrest, and the couple is expected to appear in Brooklyn federal court this afternoon.
Sun was named Hochul’s deputy chief of staff in September 2021, becoming the highest-ranking Asian American in the governor’s administration. A year and a half later, she left the post to become deputy secretary of the New York State Department of Labor.
In total, he has more than 14 years of service in the Administration with roles focused on business development; Asian American affairs; and diversity, equity and inclusion.
For his part, Hu, who owns a liquor store in Queens, New York, and a health products company he started during the pandemic, is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, as well as conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Prosecutors say that with the proceeds of money laundering and millions of dollars in bribes from the Chinese government, they were able to buy a $3.6 million home in Manhasset and a $1.9 million condo in Hawaii.
The court found that Sun used his influence to prevent public criticism of Beijing’s persecution of Uighur Muslims and to advance China’s broader geopolitical agenda by preventing meetings with Taiwanese officials.
Linda’s bail was set at $1.5 million and her husband’s at $500,000. They cannot have contact with the Chinese consulate or embassy as part of their release conditions. They also cannot travel beyond New York, Long Island and New Hampshire, the statement said. Daily MailHis next court appearance is scheduled for September 25.
