Brooklyn, November 13, 2025
Linda Sun, a former deputy chief of staff to New York Governors, is currently on trial for allegedly acting as an unregistered agent for China and profiting from PPE contracts during the pandemic. Prosecutors claim she directed over $44 million in contracts to related companies and received kickbacks. Sun and her husband have pleaded not guilty, asserting the charges are politically motivated. The trial is expected to continue for several weeks in Brooklyn federal court.
New York City, NY
Former New York State Aide Linda Sun Faces Trial on Charges of Acting as Unregistered Agent for China and Profiting from PPE Contracts
Linda Sun, a former deputy chief of staff to New York Governor Kathy Hochul and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, is currently on trial in Brooklyn federal court. She faces charges of acting as an unregistered agent for the Chinese government and profiting illegally from the state’s procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prosecutors allege that Sun used her government position to steer over $44 million in PPE contracts to companies linked to her cousin and her husband’s business associate. In return, she received millions in kickbacks, including luxury properties and vehicles. Additionally, Sun is accused of influencing state policy to favor Chinese interests, such as blocking Taiwanese representatives from accessing the governor’s office and forging official invitations for Chinese officials.
Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, have pleaded not guilty to all charges. They were arrested in 2024 and have been released on bond. The trial is expected to last several weeks, with opening statements delivered on November 12, 2025. Sun’s defense argues that she acted within her official capacity and that the charges are politically motivated.
Background
Linda Sun, born in China and a naturalized U.S. citizen, held various positions in New York state government over a 15-year career, including deputy chief of staff to Governor Hochul and deputy diversity officer under Governor Cuomo. In 2024, she was charged with acting as an undisclosed agent for the Chinese government and profiting from PPE contracts during the pandemic. Her husband, Chris Hu, faces charges related to money laundering and bank fraud. Both have pleaded not guilty and are scheduled for trial in November 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the charges against Linda Sun?
Linda Sun is charged with acting as an unregistered agent for the Chinese government and profiting illegally from the state’s procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is also accused of influencing state policy to favor Chinese interests and forging official documents.
What is the status of the trial?
The trial began on November 12, 2025, in Brooklyn federal court. Opening statements have been delivered, and the trial is expected to last several weeks. Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
What positions did Linda Sun hold in the New York state government?
Linda Sun held various positions over a 15-year career, including deputy chief of staff to Governor Kathy Hochul and deputy diversity officer under Governor Andrew Cuomo.
What is the background of the charges against Sun and her husband?
In 2024, Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, were charged with acting as undisclosed agents for the Chinese government and profiting from PPE contracts during the pandemic. They have pleaded not guilty and are scheduled for trial in November 2025.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Linda Sun, former deputy chief of staff to New York Governors Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo |
| Charges | Acting as an unregistered agent for the Chinese government, profiting from PPE contracts, influencing state policy to favor Chinese interests, and forging official documents |
| Trial Status | Trial began on November 12, 2025, in Brooklyn federal court; expected to last several weeks |
| Co-Defendant | Chris Hu, Sun’s husband, facing charges related to money laundering and bank fraud |
| Defense Argument | Sun and Hu have pleaded not guilty; defense argues charges are politically motivated and that Sun acted within her official capacity |
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