Feds' Case Against Ex-Democrat Aide Accused Of Working With China Hits Roadblock
The corruption case against Linda Sun, a former aide to New York Governors Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo, encountered a significant setback when a federal jury declared a mistrial due to a deadlock on all charges. Arrested in September 2024 alongside her husband Chris Hu, Sun faces accusations of acting as an unregistered agent for China, involving financial kickbacks and misappropriating state contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The trial, part of a broader Department of Justice initiative against foreign influence in U.S. politics, is set to be retried as prosecutors aim to resolve the charges, which include bribery and money laundering. Following Sun's dismissal from her position in 2023 for misconduct, her alleged actions have raised serious concerns about foreign interference in state affairs.
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The jury's inability to reach a consensus after extensive deliberation led U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan to declare a mistrial on December 22, 2025, prompting prosecutors to indicate their intent to retry the case immediately.
Sun was accused of accepting millions in kickbacks from Chinese entities while facilitating lucrative contracts for medical supplies during the pandemic, specifically face masks.
The legal proceedings are part of a broader initiative by the U.S. Department of Justice aimed at uncovering covert foreign influence operations impacting American politics and dissidents.
Sun, who has a 15-year tenure in New York state government, had significant roles under both Hochul and Cuomo, and was dismissed for misconduct in 2023 after her actions raised alarms.
Allegations against Sun include efforts to advance Chinese government narratives, such as blocking communication with Taiwan and manipulating official statements regarding Uighurs.
An FBI raid on Sun and Hu's $3.5 million Long Island home in July 2024 led to their arrest, with charges including visa fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States.