Linda Sun, a former deputy chief of staff to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, was arrested by the FBI on Tuesday morning alongside her husband, Chris Hu. The couple faces serious charges, including acting as unregistered agents of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), conspiracy to defraud the U.S., wire fraud, money laundering, and immigration fraud.
According to the indictment, Sun and Hu allegedly used their connections within New York State government to advance the interests of the CCP. Sun is accused of blocking representatives of the Taiwanese government from accessing the governor’s office and influencing the public statements of two unnamed politicians on issues significant to the CCP. In return, the couple reportedly received business opportunities in China, luxury gifts, travel perks, and employment for a relative.
Jeremiah ole Kosiom, Trans Nzoia County’s police commander, confirmed that Cheptegei’s partner had purchased a can of petrol, poured it on her, and set her ablaze during the altercation.
The couple’s financial dealings also raised alarms, with federal investigators revealing that Sun and Hu indulged in various luxuries, including a $2.1 million condo in Honolulu, Hawaii, a 2024 Ferrari, and a $3.5 million home in a gated Long Island community called Stone Hill. The home, which they purchased in 2021, was placed in a trust earlier this year.
Sun, who was appointed deputy chief of staff to Hochul in September 2021 and was the highest-appointed Asian-American in the administration, was fired in March 2023 after evidence of misconduct was discovered. The governor’s office immediately reported her actions to law enforcement and has cooperated with the investigation.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace emphasized the severity of the charges, stating, “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.”
The arrests occurred at the couple’s Long Island residence, and they are expected to appear in federal court in Brooklyn. The case has drawn significant attention, particularly given Sun’s influential position in New York State government and the gravity of the charges related to national security.
This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as the case progresses.