A former aide to both New York Governors Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo was arrested by the FBI along with her husband for violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, which requires individuals to register with the Justice Department if they are involved in advocacy work for a foreign government, specifically China. The couple was arrested at their multimillion-dollar home in Manhasset on Long Island. The FBI had previously conducted a pre-dawn raid at their home approximately six weeks prior, though it was unclear at the time what they were looking for. Linda Sun, the former deputy chief of staff, had worked for Cuomo starting in 2012 and most recently for Hochul before the arrest.
The U.S. Attorney Breon Peace stated that while Sun appeared to be serving the people of New York, she and her husband were actually working to further the interests of the Chinese government and the CCP. They are alleged to have engaged in an illicit scheme that enriched their family by millions of dollars. The indictment against Sun includes allegations of forgery and misconduct that were discovered while she worked at New York’s Department of Labor, such as forging Hochul’s name on a letter to the Chinese government and attempting to help a Chinese company win a pandemic-related contract during Cuomo’s administration. The U.S. Attorney in Brooklyn has been investigating the Chinese government’s involvement in city and state affairs, leading to raids in other locations.
The FBI has reportedly conducted raids at the homes of other individuals connected to Asian affairs in the Adams administration, as well as at the New World Mall in Queens, which was the site of fundraising events for Mayor Eric Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign. When asked about the raid, Mayor Adams stated that his focus was on running the city and that he would not be distracted by the probe. The investigation into the alleged ties to the Chinese government and potential illegal activities continues, with law enforcement agencies taking decisive action to prosecute those who serve as undisclosed agents of a foreign government. The terminated employment of Linda Sun following the discovery of misconduct reflects a commitment to upholding the law and cooperating with law enforcement authorities throughout the process.
The case involving Linda Sun and her husband highlights the potential risks associated with undisclosed advocacy work for foreign governments and the importance of transparency in government roles. The FBI’s actions in conducting raids and pursuing investigations into these activities demonstrate a dedication to uncovering potential wrongdoing and holding individuals accountable for their actions. The involvement of high-ranking government officials and aides in such schemes underscores the need for vigilance and oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future. The legal proceedings and prosecutions resulting from these investigations serve as a reminder of the consequences of violating laws related to foreign influence and the obligation to serve the best interests of the public. As the case unfolds, it is essential to continue monitoring and addressing any potential threats to the integrity of government operations and public trust.
