California real estate agent accused of surveilling a relative of Taiwan’s president and sending photos, videos and vehicle information to Chinese officials
By Shah J. Choudhury
— The FBI has arrested a California woman at Los Angeles International Airport on allegations that she secretly worked on behalf of the Chinese government while in the United States.
Federal authorities said the woman was taken into custody at LAX as she prepared to leave the United States for China.
The woman, 34-year-old Wanying “Heather” Zhang of Irvine, California, is a real estate agent. Federal prosecutors accuse her of acting in the United States as an unregistered agent of a foreign government.
According to a federal criminal complaint, Zhang and an associate traveled to Seattle in 2025 at the direction of Chinese officials. Investigators allege that they surveilled a relative of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te.
During the alleged surveillance operation, investigators say Zhang and her associate collected photographs and videos of the residence and vehicles, including license-plate information, and provided the material to Chinese officials.
Alleged Direction From Chinese Officials
According to an FBI affidavit, Zhang communicated with at least two individuals whom investigators believe were connected to the Chinese government.
Investigators allege that Zhang came into contact with a purported Chinese government official while she was in China in June 2025. Communications concerning the Seattle trip and the alleged surveillance operation reportedly followed.
Federal authorities also allege that Zhang attempted to conceal her activities and failed to register with the U.S. Attorney General as required for an individual acting on behalf of a foreign government.
Arrested Before Leaving for China
Authorities said Zhang was arrested by the FBI at LAX while preparing to travel to China.
The case has drawn renewed attention to alleged foreign-government operations inside the United States and the broader national-security concerns surrounding covert surveillance of individuals connected to Taiwan.
Security Concerns Surrounding Taiwan
Investigators are treating the alleged surveillance of a relative of Taiwan’s president as a significant element of the case. Authorities say information about residences, vehicles and other personal details could potentially be used for intelligence-gathering, surveillance or pressure operations.
The case also highlights growing U.S. concerns over alleged foreign-government efforts to monitor or intimidate individuals and communities on American soil.
Zhang has been accused—not convicted—of the alleged offenses. The charges will be tested in federal court, where she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The FBI investigation remains ongoing.
