California Realtor Arrested in Alleged China Spy Case

Federal authorities say a California realtor was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport while allegedly trying to leave for China after carrying out surveillance tied to the Chinese government. Prosecutors identified the suspect as Wanying Zhang, 34, of Irvine, also known as Heather, and said she faces a federal charge of acting as an unregistered agent of the People’s Republic of China.

According to a criminal complaint, Zhang is accused of traveling to the Seattle area in 2025 at the direction of Chinese officials to gather information on a relative of Taiwan’s president. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said FBI agents in Los Angeles took her into custody as she attempted to board a flight to Shanghai. He later said on television that Zhang is a naturalized U.S. citizen and that the alleged target was a family member of Taiwan’s president living in the United States.

Essayli said Zhang worked with an associate and used methods intended to avoid detection. He alleged that she photographed and recorded the family outside their home and sent Chinese contacts photos, video and license plate details. He also said she never notified the U.S. attorney general that she was acting on behalf of a foreign government, which is required under federal law.

What investigators say happened in Seattle

The complaint says Zhang and her associate flew from Las Vegas to Seattle on Sept. 1, 2025. After arriving, they rented a black Nissan Rogue and waited near the family’s home. When the target returned, a neighbor’s security camera allegedly captured the pair quickly sitting up and extending what appeared to be phones to photograph or record the family. Relatives, including children, arrived soon after.

FBI Special Agent Kevin Holt wrote in an affidavit that while one individual took pictures, Zhang reclined her seat as if trying not to be seen. The complaint also cites messages allegedly sent by Zhang to a Chinese government contact while she was outside the home. In one message, she allegedly wrote, “Saw him. Young male. It’s that young one,” and then added, “I am videorecording,” before sending two license plate numbers.

Days later, investigators say Zhang directed her associate to transfer the surveillance images using AirDrop rather than WeChat or text. In an audio message described in the affidavit, she allegedly said the Seattle pictures had to be sent “over the air” because “he wants me to send it back today.” Holt said that instruction appeared designed to reduce the chance of detection. The associate later allegedly said the photos had been deleted and removed from the deleted folder, which investigators viewed as a possible effort to destroy evidence.

Broader national security concerns

Investigators believe Zhang received the assignment during a June 2025 meeting in Changsha, China, with a government contact. According to the complaint, she allegedly told that contact, “I can take care of this thing.” CBS News, citing law enforcement sources, reported the target was Ting-Yu Lai, the U.S.-based son of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, though the complaint itself does not name him.

Holt warned that gathering information about the relatives of a senior Taiwanese official, including where they live and what they drive, could give Beijing leverage during a future conflict. He wrote that surveillance of a close relative of a high-ranking Taiwanese official inside the United States is not normal diplomatic conduct.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the arrest should serve as a warning to foreign adversaries, adding that the bureau is pursuing threats to U.S. national security wherever they operate. Essayli also said the issue is not limited to California and argued that Chinese influence efforts are taking place across the country. Zhang was scheduled to appear in federal court in Los Angeles on Monday. Authorities noted that she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The arrest follows a separate case in which former Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang was charged with acting as an agent of China in connection with alleged pro-Beijing propaganda efforts in the United States.