FBI arrests a woman accused of spying on Taiwan leader's family for China
The FBI arrested Wanying Zhang at Los Angeles International Airport for allegedly spying on the family of Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te on behalf of China. Zhang is accused of acting as an unregistered foreign agent by conducting surveillance and reporting information to Chinese officials.
Why it matters
This case underscores the ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan and the U.S. government's efforts to counter transnational repression and foreign espionage.
BANGKOK — The FBI arrested a woman at Los Angeles International Airport as she was leaving the country and accused her of spying on the Taiwan president's family for China.
Wanying Zhang, also know as Heather, surveilled the Taiwanese president's son and his family for the Chinese government while in the United States, according to the FBI.
Zhang, 34, was arrested on charges for working for China as an unregistered agent, Assistant U.S. State Attorney Bill Essayli announced on social media. Zhang took photos and videos of her targets and sent license plate information to Chinese officials, he said.
Zhang was arrested as she was departing for a flight to China. Her nationality was not clear, and an attorney who represents her could not be determined. She was due to appear Monday in federal court in Los Angeles.
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