FBI arrests California woman under suspicion of spying on Taiwan's president's son for China

The FBI arrested Wanying Zhang, 34, of Irvine, California, at Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday on suspicion of surveilling a son of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te at the direction of Chinese officials. Zhang is charged with acting as an unregistered foreign agent. Authorities allege she sent photos, video, and license plate information to Chinese officials, using tradecraft to avoid detection. Taiwan's presidential office condemned the actions as transnational repression, while China's foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment. Zhang is scheduled to appear in a Los Angeles federal court on Monday.

The FBI arrested Wanying Zhang, 34, of Irvine, California, at Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday before her planned departure to China. Zhang, also known as Heather, is charged with acting as an unregistered foreign agent. Authorities allege she surveilled a son of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te at the direction of Chinese officials. The FBI did not directly name the target, but shared a New York Post report identifying him as Lai Ting-yu, a US resident. The Justice Department said Zhang traveled to Seattle in 2025 and sent Chinese officials photos, video, and license plate information of the son and his family. Zhang used tradecraft to avoid detection and did not notify Washington she was acting for a foreign government. Taiwan's presidential office described the actions as a typical case of transnational repression and thanked the US government. China's foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment. Zhang will appear in a Los Angeles federal court on Monday.