Related Federal Cases
- NY-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital Hit with $616K Fine for Illegal Kickback Scheme · New York
- PPE Lie: Edison Execs Plead Guilty to $10M Scam · Ohio
- Tow Truck Operator and Car Dealer Sentenced for Car Theft Scheme · New York
- Rockland Agent Oscar Dais Convicted of Deed Theft Scheme · New York
- Sununu Declares War on Trump’s GOP Grip · New Hampshire
NY State Official Linda Sun and Husband Charged in PPE Kickback Scheme
BROOKLYN, NY – In a shocking revelation, a federal grand jury in Brooklyn yesterday returned a second superseding indictment against Linda Sun, a former high-ranking New York State government employee, and her husband Chris Hu, charging them with accepting millions of dollars in kickbacks as part of a PPE fraud scheme.
According to the indictment, Sun steered contracts to vendors with undisclosed personal connections, and she and Hu received millions of dollars from the vendors, including some in the form of kickbacks, which Sun did not disclose to the NYS government. The new charges against Sun and Hu include honest services wire fraud, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, bribery, and conspiracy to defraud the United States. Hu is also charged with tax evasion.
“As alleged, Linda Sun not only acted as an unregistered agent of the government of the People’s Republic of China, but also enriched herself to the tune of millions of dollars when New York State was at its most vulnerable at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated United States Attorney Joseph Nocella. “When masks, gloves, and other protective supplies were hard to find, Sun abused her position of trust to steer contracts to her associates so that she and her husband could share in the profits. We demand better from our public servants, and this Office will continue to hold accountable public officials who enrich themselves at the expense of the New York taxpayers.”
The indictment alleges that Sun used her position of influence with the government of the People’s Republic of China to coordinate the NYS government’s purchase of PPE from vendors located in the PRC. In addition to certain vendors referred by the PRC government, Sun referred two vendors (the Cousin Company and the Associate Company) that were not recommended by the PRC government but rather had undisclosed personal connections to Sun.
“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,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. “The FBI will never tolerate any public official who abuses their position to profit at the expense of others, especially when their objectives align with foreign agendas.”
The defendants will be arraigned on Monday, June 30, 2025. If convicted, Sun and Hu face significant prison time and fines. The case is a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government, and the consequences of corruption and abuse of power.
The investigation was led by the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, the New York State Office of the Inspector General, the New York State Police, and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). The New York State Executive Chamber also cooperated with the investigation.
This case serves as a warning to public officials who would seek to exploit their positions for personal gain. As United States Attorney Nocella stated, “We demand better from our public servants, and this Office will continue to hold accountable public officials who enrich themselves at the expense of the New York taxpayers.”
Linda Sun, 42, and Chris Hu, 45, both of New York, NY, have been charged with a total of 14 counts of honest services wire fraud, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, bribery, and conspiracy to defraud the United States, as well as tax evasion. The maximum penalty for each of the honest services wire fraud and conspiracy counts is 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The maximum penalty for bribery is 15 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The maximum penalty for conspiracy to defraud the United States is 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The maximum penalty for tax evasion is 5 years in prison and a fine of $100,000.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News