FBI Arrests Alleged Chinese Foreign Agent for Spying on Taiwan President's Son

Federal authorities in the United States have arrested a California woman, Wanying "Heather" Zhang, on charges of acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government. Zhang, a 34-year-old realtor from Irvine, was apprehended by the FBI at Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday, October 4, 2026, as she was preparing to board a flight to Shanghai, China.

The arrest stems from allegations that Zhang spied on Ting-Yu Lai, the U.S.-based son of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te. According to the Justice Department, Zhang traveled to Seattle, Washington, in September 2025, where she allegedly photographed, videotaped, and collected license plate information of Lai's family at their home, acting under the direction of Chinese officials. She is accused of using various methods to avoid detection and failing to register with the U.S. government as an agent for a foreign entity. Taiwan's presidential office has condemned these actions as "transnational repression" and expressed gratitude to the U.S. government for its protection. China's foreign ministry has not yet commented on the arrest. Zhang is scheduled to appear in federal court in Los Angeles on Monday.