DNC Aide Accused of Acting as Secret CCP Agent While Living a Millionaire Lifestyle

Federal prosecutors say a former senior aide to New York Governor Kathy Hochul was secretly working as an undeclared agent for the Chinese Communist Party—while living far beyond her government salary.

Linda Sun, 41, who also held influential posts under former Governor Andrew Cuomo, is accused of using her insider position to push New York officials toward decisions that benefited Beijing. While earning a taxpayer-funded salary of $145,000, prosecutors say she was quietly receiving millions through side deals arranged by Chinese officials.

According to the indictment, Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, went on a luxury spending spree with the foreign cash: purchasing a $3.6 million Long Island mansion, a $1.9 million condo in Hawaii, and even a 2024 Ferrari Roma—all allegedly paid for with money funneled through Chinese-linked channels.

Prosecutors say Sun lived like a privileged Party insider, dining on special dishes prepared by chefs from the Chinese consulate, meeting frequently with CCP officials, and even attending the Communist Party’s 70th anniversary celebration at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

The couple is also accused of profiting from the pandemic, allegedly generating $2.3 million in kickbacks tied to personal protective equipment imports.

Sun is charged with violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. She has pleaded not guilty. Hu faces similar charges and has also denied wrongdoing.

Jury selection began this week in Brooklyn federal court, with prospective jurors questioned about their views on China, Taiwan, and foreign influence operations. The case is being overseen by U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan, known for presiding over the trial of drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.

The indictment alleges Sun manipulated New York government operations to advance CCP interests:

• blocking Taiwanese representatives from meeting NY officials,

• altering government messaging to align with Beijing’s positions,

• and even giving a Chinese diplomat access to a state conference call.

Prosecutors say she and Hu laundered over $15 million into the U.S. through Hu’s businesses—including a seafood export company and a Queens wine shop—using the funds to finance their homes, luxury travel, and vehicles.

Sun spent nearly 15 years in New York government, rising through multiple senior positions, including Chief Diversity Officer under Cuomo and later Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Hochul. She was fired in late 2022 after officials reportedly uncovered evidence of misconduct and referred the matter to law enforcement.

After leaving the administration, Sun briefly worked as a deputy commissioner at the New York Department of Labor before taking a job as campaign manager for a Long Island congressional candidate.

She continues to deny all wrongdoing as the trial moves forward.