California Realtor Arrested for Allegedly Spying for China

A 34-year-old California realtor, Wanying Zhang, also known as “Heather,” was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on allegations of spying for the Chinese government. Federal authorities announced this arrest as she attempted to depart for China.

Details of the Allegations

According to a criminal complaint, Zhang allegedly collaborated with an associate to conduct surveillance on a Taiwanese official’s family residing near Seattle. This involved taking photographs, recording videos, and collecting car license plate information, which she sent to Chinese officials.

“We just arrested a Chinese foreign agent at LAX attempting to depart for China,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli.

FBI Los Angeles agents arrested Zhang under the charge of acting as an unregistered agent of the People’s Republic of China. The complaint indicates her travels to Seattle in 2025 were directed by these officials.

The Alleged Target

Surveillance was reportedly conducted on the U.S.-based son of Taiwan’s president, as confirmed by law enforcement sources. Zhang allegedly used covert methods to avoid detection and failed to declare her actions to the Attorney General.

On her return to Seattle, Zhang and an associate allegedly arrived from Las Vegas, rented a vehicle, and waited near the family’s home, capturing moments on camera.

Efforts to Destroy Evidence

It’s reported she instructed her associate to transfer surveillance data via AirDrop, seeking to avoid detection and later delete all related materials.

Background and Broader Context

Investigators believe Zhang received her assignments from a Chinese contact during a June 2025 meeting in Changsha, China.

“Engaging in surveillance of a close relative of a high-ranking member of Taiwan’s government is not normal diplomatic behavior,” FBI Special Agent Kevin Holt noted.

The arrest highlights concerns about foreign agents operating within the U.S., with officials warning that such threats could persist throughout the nation.

Zhang, a naturalized U.S. citizen, is scheduled to appear in a Los Angeles federal court, and her case follows other incidents involving espionage and foreign influence.