Overview
- U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan began instructing the Brooklyn jury Thursday and will finish Friday, after which deliberations are set to start.
- Prosecutors say Linda Sun advanced PRC interests by blocking a 2019 Cuomo meeting with Taiwan’s president, secretly adding a Chinese consulate official to a COVID response call, and forging Gov. Kathy Hochul’s signature on visa invitation letters.
- The government alleges Sun steered New York PPE contracts to Chinese firms for kickbacks laundered by her husband, Chris Hu, including about $1.5 million routed through an account in her mother’s name, funding luxury real estate and cars.
- Evidence presented included Sun’s texts with consular officials, bank and procurement records, and a seized phone case reading “Get rich, good luck,” along with references to gifts such as Nanjing salted duck.
- Defense lawyers argue Sun’s outreach was standard liaison work consistent with U.S. policy, the money reflected legitimate business income, the alleged signature forgery was unproven, and no witness tied her conduct to PRC direction; both defendants have pleaded not guilty.