US authorities arrested Wanying Zhang as she attempted to leave Los Angeles International Airport for China.
Zhang, 34, was arrested by the FBI’s Los Angeles office and is accused of acting as an agent for the People’s Republic of China without registering. Zhang, who lives in Irvine, also used the name “Heather.”
Allegations in the federal criminal complaint
First Assistant US Attorney Bill Essayli said Zhang traveled to Seattle in 2025 at the direction of Chinese officials and tracked a close relative of an official in Taiwan’s government.

Zhang allegedly sent Chinese officials photographs, videos and vehicle license plate information about the person in question. She also allegedly coordinated the trip with another person and used various methods to avoid detection.

The criminal complaint also states that Zhang failed to notify the US attorney general that she was acting on behalf of a foreign government.
To appear in federal court
Zhang is expected to make her first appearance in federal court in Los Angeles on Monday.