FBI arrests Irvine woman accused of acting as China agent

FBI agents arrested Wanying "Heather" Zhang, a 34-year-old Irvine resident, at Los Angeles International Airport on Friday on allegations that she acted as an unregistered agent of the People's Republic of China, ABC7 Los Angeles reported.

The case has an Orange County connection because Zhang is an Irvine resident, though the arrest took place outside the county at LAX. Authorities allege the surveillance targeted a close relative of a Taiwanese government official.

ABC7 Los Angeles reported that Zhang was arrested Friday at LAX as she was allegedly attempting to travel to China. She is accused of acting as an unregistered agent of the People's Republic of China.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said Zhang traveled to Seattle in 2025 at the direction of the PRC, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. Essayli said she surveilled a close relative of a Taiwanese government official and sent photos, videos and license plate information to PRC officials.

Zhang is due in federal court Monday, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. The report did not identify the relative or provide additional details about the court appearance.

ABC7 Los Angeles also reported a separate, unrelated arrest by undercover Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at LAX on Friday night. The report said that incident was distinct from Zhang's arrest.

Airport officials said federal agencies conduct their own independent investigations and that airport operations were continuing as normal, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

The FBI arrest remains a federal case tied to an Irvine resident, while LAX officials said airport operations were not disrupted.