The FBI arrested a suspected Chinese agent at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for allegedly surveilling the son of the Taiwanese president. Sources from law enforcement disclosed this to CBS News.
Wanying “Heather” Zhang, a realtor from Irvine, California, was apprehended by federal authorities on Sunday before she could board a flight to Shanghai, China. She faces charges of acting as an unregistered agent for a foreign government.
Shortly after the arrest, Zhang’s husband, Edric Ding, who also works as a realtor, communicated to CBS News, “I don’t know anything yet,” and refrained from further comments. As of now, it isn’t clear whether Zhang has legal representation.
An FBI counterintelligence agent in Los Angeles filed a criminal complaint against Zhang. The complaint detailed that in September 2025, Zhang and an accomplice traveled to Seattle, Washington, taking photos of the suburban residence of a high-ranking Taiwanese official’s family.
Law enforcement sources identified the target as Ting-Yu Lai, son of President Ching-Te Lai of Taiwan. Ting-Yu, an engineer, studied in the States and lives with his U.S.-born son and wife, according to Taiwanese media.
As per the FBI complaint, pictures of Lai’s family, house, and cars could provide leverage to the People’s Republic of China during potential conflicts with Taiwan.
The FBI’s Special Agent, Kevin Holt, noted in the October 3, 2026, complaint that Taiwan plays a hotly contested geopolitical role. Taiwan declares independence, while China claims sovereignty over it. The island is strategically important due to its position along key shipping lanes and its advanced semiconductor manufacturing industry.
The Taiwanese consulate did not immediately respond to requests for comments from CBS News.
The complaint offers detailed allegations, stating that on September 1, 2025, Zhang and an unnamed individual known as “Individual 1” flew from Las Vegas to Seattle. They rented a black Nissan Rogue and proceeded to their surveillance target’s location.
A neighbor’s security camera allegedly captured Zhang and her accomplice seeming to film Ting-Yu Lai, his wife, and child as they returned home. CBS News verified the connected address in Seattle through their investigation.
Zhang allegedly messaged her handler via WeChat: “Saw him. Young male. It’s that young one,” followed by two license plate numbers. This data was accessed through a search warrant on Zhang’s iCloud account.
Holt’s affidavit indicated Zhang’s contact with two individuals linked to the Chinese government, facilitated by her former university peers. She attended Beijing’s University of International Relations, allegedly connected to the Ministry of State Security.
During a visit to Changsha, China, in June 2025, Zhang reportedly met with a government official, receiving the mission for the surveillance.
Zhang’s Zillow profile lists her as a licensed realtor in California with JC Pacific Capital Inc. with 130 sales around Los Angeles.
The Taiwanese media profiles Ting-Yu Lai’s background. He acquired his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Case Western Reserve University, completed a master’s at Johns Hopkins University, and earned a PhD in bioengineering from the University of Washington.
Activities of Chinese government agents in the U.S. have historical precedence, with cases like Shujun Wang in Queens, New York, and two individuals operating an unofficial Chinese police station in Manhattan. Federal efforts uncover broader operations like China’s “Operation Fox Hunt,” targeting dissidents globally.
Further incidents include charges against Eileen Wang, ex-Mayor of Arcadia, California. She confessed to promoting pro-China governmental views, including essay publications denying forced labor accusations in China.
Such actions have kept the Justice Department vigilant. The focus remains on monitoring and intervening in unauthorized Chinese activities within the U.S.