US authorities arrested a California woman, Wanying Zhang, accusing her of spying on the son of Taiwan's president at the behest of Chinese officials, the FBI said.
Key facts
- The FBI arrested Wanying Zhang, 34, of Irvine, California, at Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday.
- She was detained before a planned departure to China, according to the FBI.
- Zhang is charged with acting as an unregistered foreign agent.
- Authorities say she surveilled the Taiwanese president's son and his family.
US authorities have arrested a California woman accused of spying on the son of Taiwan’s president at the behest of Chinese officials, the FBI said. The agency said it detained Wanying Zhang, also known as Heather, at Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday before her planned departure to China.
According to a statement from the FBI, Zhang, 34, of Irvine, California, has been charged with acting as an unregistered foreign agent. The Guardian reported that she was taken into custody at the airport ahead of her travel.
The FBI and US prosecutors say Zhang surveilled the Taiwanese president’s son and his family, according to NPR. The agencies allege the surveillance was carried out on behalf of Chinese officials.
Further details of the allegations, including how the alleged surveillance was conducted and over what period, were not provided in the initial statements reported by the outlets.
Why it matters
The case concerns alleged foreign intelligence activity on US soil and the alleged targeting of a high-profile Taiwanese figure's family. Zhang has been charged but not convicted, and key details of the allegations have not yet been made public.
Frequently asked questions
Who was arrested?
The FBI arrested Wanying Zhang, also known as Heather, 34, of Irvine, California, at Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday.
What is she charged with?
Zhang is charged with acting as an unregistered foreign agent, according to the FBI.
What are the allegations?
The FBI and US prosecutors say she surveilled the son of Taiwan's president and his family at the behest of Chinese officials.