Opening statements are set to begin today in Brooklyn federal court for the trial of former aide to two New York governors, Linda Sun, and her husband, Chris Hu. Sun, who served in various state government roles over 15 years, faces allegations of acting as an undisclosed Chinese agent and profiting from New York’s pandemic response. CBS News reports that the charges include forging Governor Hochul's signature and tampering with official messages on matters of importance to China.
Sun and Hu, arrested last year at their nearly $4 million Manhasset mansion, face charges extending beyond acting as undisclosed foreign agents. Authorities allege the couple illegally profited from New York’s bulk purchase of face masks during the COVID-19 surge, using the funds for luxury real estate and high-end vehicles, including a Ferrari. According to ABC News, the kickbacks totaling roughly $2.3 million were funneled to Hu from state contracts.
Both Sun and Hu have pleaded not guilty to charges that include money laundering, tax evasion, and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Sun’s attorney, Jarrod L. Schaeffer, has denied the allegations, stating in court filings, “Ms. Sun maintains that she did not commit any of the offenses with which she is charged and expects that a jury would reject the government’s most recent accusations at trial,” as reported by ABC News.
The trial is expected to examine Sun’s activities during the Cuomo and Hochul administrations. Federal prosecutors allege she acted to advance the interests of the Chinese government, influencing New York’s official communications and limiting Taiwanese officials’ access to the governor’s office. She is also accused of exploiting the state’s pandemic-related procurement process, securing over $44 million in contracts for companies connected to her family and associates. In response, former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office minimized her involvement, with Cuomo stating, “She was a junior member in my team. I wouldn’t recognize her if she was in this room today,” as per ABC News.
Hochul’s office responded to the allegations by terminating Sun in March 2023 after evidence of misconduct surfaced. As the trial approaches, current and former New York officials are likely monitoring proceedings closely, as Sun and Hu’s defense team prepares to contest claims of financial wrongdoing and alleged breaches of public trust.
