An indictment was unsealed today charging Linda Sun, 41, with violating and conspiring to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, bringing in aliens, and money laundering conspiracy. Sun is alleged to have acted on behalf of the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Sun’s husband and co-defendant, Chris Hu, 40, was also charged with money laundering conspiracy, as well as conspiracy to commit bank fraud and misuse of means of identification. Sun and Hu were arrested earlier this morning and were arraigned in federal court in Brooklyn.
“As alleged, while appearing to serve the people of New York as Deputy Chief of Staff within the New York State Executive Chamber, the defendant and her husband actually worked to further the interests of the Chinese government and the CCP,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for Eastern District of New York. “The illicit scheme enriched the defendant’s family to the tune of millions of dollars. Our office will act decisively to prosecute those who serve as undisclosed agents of a foreign government.”
“These indictments demonstrate, yet again, the brazen attempts of the PRC to corrupt our political processes,” said Assistant Director Kevin Vorndran of the FBI's Counterintelligence Division. “As alleged in the indictment, Linda Sun and Chris Hu deceived the highest leadership of New York government to further the political agenda of the Government of China. The FBI, along with our partners, remain committed to protecting our democratic institutions from manipulation by the PRC.”
“Sun is alleged to be an undisclosed agent of the PRC and CCP, using Chinese money and her influence within New York State to benefit China's government. Sun and her husband then laundered millions for this foreign country and used these funds to buy luxury vehicles and million-dollar properties here in New York,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas M. Fattorusso of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) New York. “It is with unwavering determination that federal law enforcement roots out foreign agents; now Sun and Hu will face justice for their criminal acts.”
According to court documents, while working for New York State – including high-ranking posts in its Executive Chamber – Sun acted as an undisclosed agent for both PRC officials and CCP representatives. At their request, she engaged in numerous political activities favoring their interests: blocking Taiwanese representatives from accessing high-level state officers; altering state messaging on issues important to PRC/CCP; obtaining unauthorized proclamations for PRC representatives; attempting a trip facilitation for a high-level state politician; arranging meetings between visiting PRC delegations and state officials.
Additionally, Sun repeatedly violated internal protocols within New York State government by providing improper benefits such as unauthorized invitation letters facilitating travel by PRC officials into America for meetings with state officials—these letters constituted false statements linked with immigration documents inducing unlawful entry into America.
Sun never registered as a foreign agent with Attorney General's office nor disclosed actions taken at orders or requests from PRC/CCP representatives.
In return for these actions among others: substantial economic benefits flowed from PRC/CCP representatives including facilitation worth millions through transactions tied with her husband's business activities; travel perks; event tickets; promotion opportunities for close family friend's business ventures/employment prospects abroad/Nanjing-style salted ducks prepared by personal chef delivered directly home - none disclosed per employment requirements.
Hu allegedly laundered proceeds via bank accounts opened under relative's name but exclusively used them himself unlawfully employing relative’s driver license image during account opening process.
The FBI investigates alongside IRS assistance.
Assistant U.S Attorneys Alexander A Solomon Robert Pollack Laura Mantell handle prosecution aided by Trial Attorney Scott Claffee National Security Division Counterintelligence Export Control Section Litigation Analyst Mary Clare McMahon
Indictment merely alleges all defendants presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt court law
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