California Realtor Arrested as Suspected Chinese Agent

In 2023, California realtor Wanying “Heather” Zhang was photographed in San Francisco during President Xi Jinping’s visit, wearing a red cap and marching with a leader of a Chinese-American organization with ties to Beijing. While pro-Chinese Communist Party activists later assaulted protesters, there is no evidence Zhang participated in these attacks.

Currently, Zhang, aged 34, faces federal charges for allegedly surveilling the Taiwanese president’s son in Washington on behalf of Chinese government officials. The FBI claims to have obtained her text messages with Chinese intelligence officials and footage from a neighbor’s camera showing her during the surveillance.

The CBS News investigation highlights Zhang’s background, similar to the infamous suspected Chinese spy Fang “Christine” Fang, who had connections with ex-congressman Eric Swalwell before fleeing amid an FBI probe in 2015.

Like Fang, Zhang attended the University of International Relations in Beijing, run by China’s Ministry of State Security, which heavily recruits from this institution. After relocating to the U.S., Zhang studied at the University of Southern California and acquired her real estate license in 2016.

Her business thrived with Irvine-based JC Pacific Corp, listing over 130 properties with prices ranging from thousands to over $8 million. Records show Zhang and her husband bought a six-bedroom home for $5.65 million in 2024 and sold it for $6 million in June.

Zhang’s Instagram displays images of her wearing designer clothes, dining at upscale restaurants, traveling around the U.S. and Canada, and shopping at luxury stores in Paris last year. Her involvement in advocacy groups mirrors Fang’s activities.

In 2022, Zhang attended events with Chinese consulate officials, including an entrepreneurship competition and a gathering celebrating “Chinese young elites in the United States,” where she received a “young entrepreneur” award.

Her connections through the All American Chinese Association (AACA) exposed her to officials linked to the Chinese government. AACA’s leader, Cai Chenghua, served as vice chair of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and registered as an influence arm of the Chinese Communist Party.

In 2022, Cai organized a celebration of China’s National Day, urging Chinese-Americans to oppose “Taiwan independence” and support “complete reunification.” For Xi’s visit in November 2023, AACA transported pro-China supporters to San Francisco, with Zhang photographed alongside Cai.

Research by Michael Lucci, a security consultant, reveals AACA board member Tian Jun’s links to the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, a segment of the United Front. Cai was also seen at events with former mayor Eileen Wang, who pleaded guilty to acting as a Chinese government agent.

State Armor adviser Jacqueline Deal commented that U.S.-based groups tied to the United Front repeatedly show up in federal foreign-agent cases, suggesting their mission is to aid the Communist Party while undermining the United States.

Deal advocates that officers from such groups should register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, which Zhang allegedly violated by acting as an unregistered Chinese agent. Cai has not been accused or charged with any crime.

Prosecutors claim Zhang fully embraced her role as a Chinese agent by 2025, traveling to China in January and meeting a government official associated with the University of International Relations. Allegedly, they exchanged messages about a Taiwanese official’s address opposing the Chinese government.

In June, Zhang reportedly visited China again to meet another official in a private setting, receiving instructions for her surveillance mission. FBI records indicate Zhang confirmed her commitment by texting, “I can take care of this thing.” After filming Lai and his family, Zhang returned to LA without incident.

She was arrested on October 4, 2026, attempting to board a flight to Shanghai. During her court appearance, Zhang wore the designer workout gear from her arrest. Her family refused to comment on the case.

Roman Rozhavsky, assistant director of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division, condemned Zhang’s alleged actions as a brazen plot by the Chinese government to conduct covert surveillance on U.S. soil, targeting Taiwanese officials’ relatives.

A spokesperson for the Taiwanese president denounced such acts that threaten freedom and democracy, extending gratitude to the U.S. judicial agency for their assistance and pledging to combat illegal acts of cross-border repression.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not provide a comment to CBS News. However, a spokesperson stated to NBC News China’s opposition to accusations of “China spying,” labeling them as slanderous.