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FBI Arrests California Woman for Allegedly Spying on Taiwan President's Son for China
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Firstpost•05-10-2026, 10:50
FBI Arrests California Woman for Allegedly Spying on Taiwan President's Son for China
- •Wanying Zhang, also known as Heather, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport before her planned departure to China.
- •Zhang, 34, of Irvine, California, is charged with acting as an unregistered foreign agent.
- •The FBI alleges Zhang surveilled Lai Ting-yu, a son of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, sending photos, video, and license plate information to Chinese officials.
- •The Justice Department stated Zhang traveled to Seattle in 2025 at the direction of Chinese officials and used tradecraft to avoid detection.
- •Taiwan's Presidential office condemned Zhang's alleged actions as a "typical case of transnational repression" and thanked the US government for protecting its citizens.
Key Questions Answered
The FBI arrested 34-year-old Wanying Zhang, also known as Heather, at Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday. Authorities charged her with acting as an unregistered foreign agent for China.
In 2025, Zhang travelled to Seattle at the direction of Chinese officials and sent them photos, video, and license plate information regarding Taiwan's president's son and his family.
Taiwan's Presidential office strongly condemned the actions as a case of transnational repression that disregards human rights and national sovereignty, while thanking the US government for protecting Taiwanese citizens.
