FBI Arrests California Woman at LAX Over Alleged Surveillance for China
The FBI arrested Wanying Zhang, 34, at Los Angeles International Airport on October 4 before her planned departure for China. Zhang, an Irvine resident also known as Heather, faces a charge of acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government. Authorities allege she monitored a son of Taiwan’s president and his family in the United States. Reuters reported the arrest on October 5.
According to US authorities, Zhang traveled to Seattle in 2025 at the direction of Chinese officials. Investigators allege she collected photographs, videos and vehicle registration details concerning the family. The information was allegedly transmitted to contacts working for the Chinese government. These statements describe the prosecution’s allegations, rather than findings established at trial.
Taiwan’s presidential office confirmed that relatives of President Lai Ching-te were the targets of the alleged surveillance. It condemned the conduct and characterized it as transnational repression. China’s foreign ministry said it was unfamiliar with the case and rejected portrayals of alleged Chinese spying as attempts to smear the country.
Zhang was scheduled to appear in federal court in Los Angeles on October 5. Initial reports did not establish whether she had a defense attorney. The reported charge concerns allegedly acting for a foreign government without the required notification to US authorities. Her arrest does not establish guilt, and the allegations remain subject to the court process.