Former NY state official accused of being a Chinese spy

Former New York state government official Linda Sun has been arrested for eight criminal charges for allegedly working as a Chinese spy.

According to the BBC, Linda Sun slowly went through the ranks over a period of 14 years until she became one of the most powerful officials of the state of New York.

The alleged spy worked as deputy Chief Diversity Officer under Governor Andrew Cuomo from 2018 to 2020 and as deputy Chief of Staff from 2021 and 2022 under Cuomo’s successor, Kathy Hochul.

Pictured: New York state governor Kathy Hochul

At the same time, Sun would allegedly use her position to aid Chinese government officials, share secret documents with Beijing, and putting obstacles between Taiwanese representatives and the New York state government.

The New York Times writes that federal prosecutors claim that Sun, and her husband Christopher Hu, received millions in dollars in kickbacks in exchange for helping Beijing and furthering the agenda of the Chinese Communist Party in the state of New York.

Other benefits the alleged spy obtained for her services include travel benefits, tickets to exclusive events, employment for her cousin in China, and a series of salted ducks prepared by the Chinese consul’s private chef.

The couple brought attention to themselves by living beyond their means. For instance, buying luxury cars, including a 2024 Ferrari Roma.

Image: pablodelafuente / Unsplash

The supposed bribes also would have helped Sun and her husband to buy a home in New York that the BBC claims is valued north of 4 million US dollars.

That’s not the end of it. The couple also bought a condominium in Honolulu with a cost of two million US dollars.

Sun pleaded not guilty of the 10 criminal charges, which include visa fraud, money laundering, and other crimes. Her husband was charged with money laundering as well.

US-China relations are already going through a critical moment. Who knows what uncovering spy networks could mean for the diplomacy of both superpowers.

Never miss a story! Click here to follow The Daily Digest.