An abstract depiction of corruption and fraud in PPE contracts during a critical time.
Linda Sun and Chris Hu have been indicted for federal corruption related to PPE contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are accused of pocketing over $2.3 million through kickbacks, fraud, and bribery while exploiting urgent needs for personal protective equipment. The couple faces serious charges, including conspiracy and tax evasion, as they allegedly used their positions to secure contracts for businesses connected to their families. Federal scrutiny reveals extensive corruption within New York’s health department amidst critical shortages, raising concerns about state procurement practices.
New York – Linda Sun, a former aide to New York governors Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo, and her husband Chris Hu have been indicted on multiple federal charges connected to a scheme involving kickbacks on personal protective equipment (PPE) contracts during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The couple is alleged to have pocketed over $2.3 million through corrupt practices related to these contracts.
The indictment accuses Sun and Hu of serious offenses including bribery, fraud, money laundering, honest services wire fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the United States. The couple allegedly took advantage of the urgent need for PPE, fabricating documents to secure contracts for companies associated with their family and themselves. In particular, one of the businesses involved is reportedly owned by Sun’s second cousin, while another business has ties to Hu.
According to the allegations, Sun misled New York State officials about her relationships with these vendors. It is claimed that she went so far as to use her influence with the Chinese government to assist New York in acquiring PPE. Investigators revealed that Sun faked an email to present her cousin’s company as a vetted supplier, securing state contracts under false pretenses.
In addition to the primary accusations, Hu faces further charges related to tax evasion. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella highlighted that Sun abused her position during a particularly critical time for New Yorkers struggling with the pandemic. The couple was initially arrested by the FBI in September 2024 on multiple charges, including conspiracy to defraud the U.S.
The updated indictment signifies an escalation in the legal proceedings faced by Sun and Hu. Among the new charges added is the allegation that Sun prevented Taiwanese representatives from accessing the governor’s office, a move that reflects the extent of her influence. Earlier, both defendants were charged with acting as agents for the Chinese Communist Party, exploiting Sun’s government role for profit.
Scheduled for arraignment on June 30, 2025, in federal court in Brooklyn, Sun’s attorney has argued that the government is struggling to strengthen its case, maintaining that Sun will vigorously contest the accusations. A spreadsheet disclosed during the investigation reportedly displayed Hu anticipating earnings of over $8 million from their dealings with the PPE contracts.
The implications of this case extend to substantial corruption allegations involving New York’s health department, which awarded over $44 million in contracts under suspicion of fraudulent activity involving the couple. Sun has been accused of leveraging her government position to steer contracts to friends and family, unlawfully profiting during a dire shortage of PPE when proper supplies were urgently needed.
The scrutiny surrounding Linda Sun and Chris Hu not only highlights issues of personal misconduct but also raises broader concerns about governance and procurement practices within state agencies. As the case unfolds, the public will be watching closely to see how the allegations unfold in federal court.
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