Federal Judge Declares Mistrial in Linda Sun Chinese Espionage Case

By Sam Barron | Monday, 22 December 2025 07:18 PM EST

A federal judge has declared a mistrial after a jury could not reach a verdict in the trial of Linda Sun, who was accused of working as a Chinese agent while serving two New York governors and her husband, Chris Hu.

Federal prosecutors alleged that Sun, at the request of Chinese officials, blocked representatives of the Taiwanese government from accessing the governor’s office and manipulated New York governmental messaging to align with Chinese priorities.

In exchange for this alleged cooperation, the couple received orchestra tickets, travel benefits, and Nanjing-style ducks prepared by a personal chef of a Chinese government official, delivered to Sun’s parents’ home in New York.

Sun began working for former Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2012 after previously serving as an aide to a state assemblywoman. She eventually became co-director of the Asian American Advisory Council (AAAC).

Governor Kathy Hochul promoted Sun to deputy chief of staff in 2021.

Sun maintained her innocence, asserting that she was simply performing her duties. Her defense, led by lawyer Kenneth Abell, argued that serving on the AAAC required travel to China and meetings with officials.

“To say that Linda did what the government said she did for salted ducks is as absurd as it sounds,” Mr. Abell stated during closing arguments.

A raid of Sun and Hu’s Long Island home uncovered a Rolex watch and a Ferrari, which prosecutors allege were purchased using funds from China.

Prosecutors presented evidence including photos of Sun socializing with Chinese officials at New York’s consulate and claims she forged gubernatorial signatures on letters inviting Chinese delegations to the city.

“I’m furious, and I’m outraged and absolutely shocked at how brazen her behavior was,” Hochul told WNYC radio when the indictments were first announced. “It was a betrayal of trust — the trust of government, the trust of the people. And I’ll tell you this: the second we discovered misconduct, we fired her, alerted authorities, and that’s how we ended up with what happened here today.”

Prosecutors indicated they hope to retry the case as soon as possible.