Woman Arrested in US for Allegedly Spying on Taiwan Leader’s Family for China

A woman named Wanying Zhang, 34, was arrested on October 4, 2026, at Los Angeles airport. She is accused of spying for China on the family of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te.

According to US and Taiwanese officials, Zhang was trying to board a flight to China when she was detained by the FBI. First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli stated that she acted as an unregistered agent of China, monitoring Lai’s son and his family.

The FBI claims Zhang filmed the family’s home and vehicles, then reported back to her Chinese handlers. In 2025, she traveled to Seattle and sent photos, videos, and license plate information to Chinese officials.

FBI Director Kash Patel praised the arrest, warning that the US is no longer a safe place for espionage activities. He emphasized that trying to spy on a foreign leader’s family in the US would not be tolerated.

President Lai, who has been a strong advocate for Taiwan’s independence, condemned the spying as a form of “transnational repression.” His office thanked US authorities for their support in protecting Taiwanese citizens.

In light of this incident, Taiwan’s government has cautioned its citizens about the increasing dangers they face in China and other locations, especially after new laws in China aimed at promoting ethnic unity.

Zhang, who lives in Irvine, California, is expected to appear in federal court soon.