U.S. accuses California woman of spying for China, surveilling Taiwan leader's son
The FBI has arrested a California woman, Wanying Zhang, on charges of acting as an unregistered foreign agent for China. She is accused of surveilling the son of Taiwan's President, Lai Ching-te, by collecting photos and license plate information.
Why it matters
This case highlights escalating concerns regarding foreign espionage and the targeting of political figures' families within the United States.
U.S. authorities arrested a California woman on Sunday (October 4, 2026) and accused her of spying on a son of Taiwan's President at the behest of Chinese officials, the FBI said.
The FBI arrested Wanying Zhang, also known as Heather, at Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday (October 4) before her planned departure to China, the agency said in a statement. Authorities charged Zhang, 34, of Irvine, California, with acting as an unregistered foreign agent.
Zhang surveiled a son of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, the FBI said. The agency did not directly name Zhang's alleged target, but later shared a New York Post report identifying him as Lai Ting-yu, a U.S. resident.
The Justice Department said Zhang travelled to Seattle in 2025 at the direction of Chinese officials and subsequently sent them photos, video and license plate information of the Taiwanese leader's son and his family.
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