Name: Ex-aide to NY governor accused of being China agent
Uploaded: 2025-11-13T08:00:10.545Z
Duration: 1 min 35 s
Description: Linda Sun faces trial – Prosecutors allege she secretly advanced China’s interests while serving in New York government.

Linda Sun faces trial – Prosecutors allege she secretly advanced China’s interests while serving in New York government.

New York

A former aide to the governor of New York and her husband have been charged with acting as secret agents for the People's Republic of China, as well as committing fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors allege the couple leveraged political connections to block Taiwanese officials from meeting the governor, allowed Chinese officials to listen in on meetings, and helped Chinese officials obtain visas fraudulently.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the aide allegedly assisted a Chinese company in securing a state contract for protective equipment, resulting in millions of dollars in personal enrichment. Federal agents have seized luxury goods and a Ferrari from the couple's home, and both deny any wrongdoing. Justice Department officials state the case is part of a broader effort to counter foreign influence in the US government.

Ex-aide to NY governor accused of being China agent

It's tough for you, Charmaine. She worked for New York State's highest officials. Now, Linda's son is on trial alongside her husband, Chris Hu. I want to wish you Xin Nian Huai Le. Happy Lunar New Year. This holiday greeting from the then-lieutenant governor, now governor of New York, just one example of how she used her influence, making sure the video contained no reference to China's persecution of Uyghurs while allegedly working as a secret agent for the People's Republic of China. She's also accused of blocking Taiwanese officials from meeting the governor, allowing Chinese officials to listen in on a meeting, and committing fraud to help Chinese officials obtain visas. During the COVID pandemic, she even helped a Chinese company win a state contract, providing masks and other protective equipment, allegedly enriching herself and her husband with millions of dollars in the process. Earlier this year, federal agents raided one of their two multimillion-dollar homes, seizing luxury goods and a Ferrari in the process. They say the husband's businesses also benefited. Both are accused of multiple criminal charges, including fraud and money laundering. Sun and her husband have denied any wrongdoing, as has the Chinese government. But Justice Department officials warn they are part of a broader effort to influence and infiltrate the US government. If a jury finds them guilty, each could spend more than a decade behind bars. Kristen Salumi, Al Jazeera, New York.

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