AP explains indictment case of former New York Governor aide

(4 Sep 2024)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
New York – 03 September 2024
1. STILL, Former New York Governor Kathy Hochul aide Linda Sun leaves Brooklyn Federal Court after her arraignment
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Larry Neumeister, The Associated Press:
“Linda Sun, a former aide to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Kathy Hochul, was charged Tuesday with acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government. She allegedly used her government roles to quietly push China’s agenda in exchange for millions of dollars in benefits. Sun, who served as Hochul’s deputy chief of staff and Cuomo’s deputy diversity officer, was arrested with her husband Chris Hu at their $4 million Long Island home.”
3. Linda Sun departing court
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Larry Neumeister, The Associated Press:
“Prosecutors say Sun blocked Taiwanese officials from meeting the governor, and adjusted New York’s messaging to fit Chinese priorities. In return, Hu’s business in China thrived, allowing them to buy expensive properties and luxury items, including a 2024 Ferrari.”
5. Linda Sun and Chris Hu walking away from court
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Larry Neumeister, The Associated Press:
“These actions reportedly gave China influence in New York’s government for nearly a decade. Sun and Hu pleaded not guilty in court and were released on bond. Stoically, neither said anything outside the courthouse. Sun is barred from contacting Chinese consulate. This case is part of a broader effort by the Justice Department to uncover secret Chinese agents in the U.S.”
7. Linda Sun and Chris Hu walking away from court
8. SOUNDBITE (English) Larry Neumeister, The Associated Press:
“Sun, originally from China and now a U.S. citizen, worked in state government for 15 years before being fired in March 2023 for misconduct. She is charged with violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, money laundering and helping with visa fraud.”
9. Linda Sun and Chris Hu walking away from court
10. SOUNDBITE (English) Larry Neumeister, The Associated Press:
“Her lawyer said, ‘we’re looking forward to addressing these charges. Our client is understandably upset that these charges have been brought.’ The case is due back in court on September 25th.”
11. Linda Sun and Chris Hu enters building
STORYLINE:
A former aide to two New York governors was charged Tuesday with acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government who used her state positions to subtly advance Beijing’s agenda in exchange for financial benefits worth millions of dollars.

Linda Sun, who held numerous posts in New York state government, including deputy chief of staff for Gov. Kathy Hochul and deputy diversity officer for former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, was arrested Tuesday morning along with her husband, Chris Hu, at their $4 million home on Long Island.

Federal prosecutors said Sun, at the request of Chinese officials, blocked representatives of the Taiwanese government from having access to the governor’s office and shaped New York governmental messaging to align with the priorities of the Chinese government, among other things.

In return, her husband got help for his business activities in China — a financial boost that prosecutors said allowed the couple to buy their multimillion-dollar property in Manhasset, New York, a condominium in Hawaii for $1.9 million, and luxury cars including a 2024 Ferrari, the indictment says.

If true, the allegations show that Chinese authorities were able to gain influence at the highest levels of state government in New York for nearly a decade.

AP video by John Minchillo

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