Former Top Aide to Ex-Governor Cuomo Arrested in COVID-Era Fraud Investigation
A former high-ranking aide to New York’s state leadership has been arrested in a sweeping federal investigation into alleged pandemic-related fraud. Linda Sun, who previously served under former Governor Andrew Cuomo and briefly continued in her role under Governor Kathy Hochul, now faces serious federal charges connected to the misuse of public resources during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Federal prosecutors allege that Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, participated in a scheme involving the sale and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE), profiting improperly from state contracts at a time of national crisis.
Alleged Abuse of Public Office During Pandemic
According to U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, Sun is accused of using her position of influence to steer PPE contracts to companies in which she and her husband had financial interests. The couple reportedly earned millions through these deals while the state of New York was urgently attempting to secure protective gear for frontline workers.
“This alleged scheme not only created an unearned and undisclosed benefit for the defendants and their relatives, but it also exploited the state’s critical need for resources in a health crisis,” said Christopher Raia, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI.
In addition to fraud and bribery, Sun faces charges of conspiracy, tax evasion, and acting as an unregistered foreign agent. Authorities claim she submitted documents falsely appearing to come from Chinese authorities to support the procurement process. These allegations have sparked concern over potential national security implications.
Federal Crackdown on Pandemic Fraud
The case is part of what federal officials describe as the largest healthcare fraud investigation in U.S. Department of Justice history. The broader crackdown has targeted COVID-era fraud, with nearly $3 billion in false claims uncovered across 50 federal districts.
“We view the theft of public funds the same way. It’s a crime against all of us,” said FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino. “Results matter. Talk is cheap. And this is not even the beginning of the beginning.”
As part of the operation, federal agents charged over 320 individuals and seized more than $245 million in alleged fraudulent gains. Nearly 100 medical professionals are among those charged.
Defense Denies Allegations
Linda Sun’s legal team has denied any wrongdoing, describing the charges as exaggerated and lacking factual foundation. Her attorney, Jarrod L. Schaeffer, responded: “The newest allegations continue the government’s trend of making and publicizing feverish accusations unmoored from the facts and evidence that we expect will actually come out at trial.”
Sun and her husband remain in custody as the investigation continues, with a trial date expected to be set in the coming months.
