A top aide to former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, Linda Sun, has been arrested in connection with a major FBI-led investigation into COVID-era government corruption. FBI Director Kash Patel announced Sun’s arrest on Thursday, describing it as part of a broader probe into fraud and abuse during the pandemic.
Sun, who also served as deputy chief of staff to Governor Kathy Hochul, is accused of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme involving the sale of personal protective equipment (PPE). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York claims she profited by steering state contracts toward vendors from which she and her husband, Chris Hu, stood to benefit.
Adding further controversy, Patel alleged that Sun acted as an unregistered agent for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). He stated that Sun and Hu “cashed in” during a time of national crisis, prioritizing personal and foreign interests over public welfare.
The charges against Sun and Hu include honest services wire fraud, conspiracy, bribery, tax evasion, and defrauding the U.S. government. Prosecutors say Sun submitted falsified documents appearing to be authorized by Chinese government officials to support her dealings.
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella said Sun exploited her government position during New York’s most vulnerable time to enrich herself. He condemned her actions as a betrayal of public trust at a time when citizens were desperate for essential medical supplies.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino described the wider investigation as the largest healthcare fraud probe in the Department of Justice’s history. The operation has spanned 50 federal districts, resulting in $3 billion in false claims and the charging of 324 defendants, including 96 medical professionals.
Bongino emphasized that this is just the beginning, pledging continued accountability for those who abuse their power or defraud the public. He warned that any public official found to be exploiting their position would face justice.
Linda Sun’s attorney, Jarrod L. Schaeffer, strongly denied the allegations, calling them exaggerated and unsupported by evidence. He maintained that the truth would emerge at trial, accusing the government of sensationalism without basis in fact.
