Federal authorities are investigating whether a California construction entrepreneur acted as an accomplice to a woman accused of spying for China, newly revealed documents and law enforcement sources indicate.
On Sunday, FBI agents executed a search warrant at the empty home of Fatai Miao, a 52-year-old Irvine resident, using a battering ram shortly after the arrest of Wanying Zhang, a 34-year-old real estate agent, at Los Angeles International Airport. Zhang was detained while attempting to board a flight to Shanghai on Oct. 4, 2026, and faces a federal charge of acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government.
Prosecutors allege Zhang surveilled the Taiwanese president’s son in Seattle on Sept. 1, 2025, alongside an unnamed companion identified in court documents as ‘Individual 1.’ Federal filings state the pair rented an SUV, with Zhang allegedly filming the Taiwanese official’s suburban home. Through interviews with Miao’s family, neighbors, and federal documents, CBS News confirmed Miao as the likely travel companion. Miao departed the U.S. for China two weeks prior to Zhang’s arrest, according to prosecutors.
Key Developments
- Fatai Miao, a U.S.-resident construction entrepreneur, is linked to Zhang’s alleged surveillance operation in Seattle.
- Miao left the U.S. for China two weeks before Zhang’s arrest, though his family claims he traveled to care for his wife, who was receiving medical treatment.
- Zhang was arrested at LAX while attempting to board a flight to Shanghai, facing a single federal charge of acting as an unregistered foreign agent.
Legal and Investigative Details
Zhang’s attorney, Craig Harbaugh, argued in a nine-page filing that his client should be released on bail, citing her U.S. citizenship, family ties, and history of returning from overseas trips. The defense proposed securing her release with an Irvine property valued at $700,000 in equity, $120,000 in financial guarantees from family members, GPS-monitored home detention, and electronic-device monitoring. Prosecutors, however, contend Zhang poses a flight risk, pointing to her attempt to flee to China.
Federal court documents allege Zhang met with Chinese government officials in China the month before the Seattle surveillance operation to plan the mission. The affidavit for her arrest was filed by Counterintelligence Squad Special Agent Kevin Holt, whose work helped identify Miao as Zhang’s travel companion.
Background on the Accused and Alleged Activities
Zhang, a naturalized U.S. citizen since 2020, has lived in Orange County with her husband and two daughters, ages 8 and 5, according to court filings. She worked in real estate for approximately a decade before her arrest. Miao, a construction entrepreneur, is described by a relative as a “follower” unlikely to participate in sophisticated government activities. His neighbors in Irvine reported that FBI agents broke into his home using a battering ram while it was empty.
Miao’s U.S.-resident son stated his father had been in China for two weeks to care for his wife, who traveled there for medical treatment. Prosecutors have not accused Miao of any wrongdoing, and his identity was confirmed through federal documents, law enforcement sources, and interviews with his family and neighbors.
Next Steps in the Case
Zhang is scheduled for further court proceedings in Los Angeles, where her attorney continues to argue against detention. The investigation into Miao’s potential role remains ongoing, with federal authorities examining whether he provided assistance to Zhang in the alleged surveillance operation. No charges have been filed against Miao at this time.