First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said his office has pursued several cases involving alleged Chinese espionage in recent months, calling the activity “extremely pervasive” in an interview with Fox News Digital published Oct. 12, 2026. He said federal authorities are working to investigate and disrupt such operations.
Essayli’s remarks followed the arrest of Wanying Zhang, 34, of Irvine, California. According to the source report, citing a criminal complaint, Zhang was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport as she attempted to board a flight to China. She is accused of acting as an unregistered agent of the People’s Republic of China.
The complaint alleges Zhang traveled to the Seattle area in 2025 at the direction of Chinese officials and gathered photos, video and vehicle license plate information near a home. Essayli said the surveillance targeted a relative of Taiwan’s president. The complaint, as described in the report, does not identify the alleged target; the report cites CBS News, which identified him as the U.S.-based son of President Lai Ching-te based on law enforcement sources.
The allegations have not been proven in court. Essayli also cited other cases brought by his office, including charges involving alleged efforts to serve China’s interests. Those cases are distinct from Zhang’s and should not be taken as evidence of her guilt.
The source report provides Essayli’s account and details attributed to court filings and other reporting; it does not include responses from Zhang or her representatives.
