US prosecutor says Chinese espionage is widespread

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  A senior federal prosecutor said Chinese espionage is widespread in the United States and called it a major concern.

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  First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said his office has brought charges in several alleged Chinese espionage cases in recent months.

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  Essayli cited the arrest of Wanying Zhang, who is accused of acting as an unregistered agent of China.

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  Zhang is accused of photographing and recording a family member of Taiwan’s president near the family’s Seattle-area home.

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  Essayli said the FBI has teams dedicated to combating espionage and that his office supports investigations and prosecutions.

Who

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli discussed the issue. Wanying Zhang was arrested in a related case.

What

Essayli said Chinese espionage is widespread in the United States. Zhang is accused of acting as an unregistered agent of China.

When

Essayli spoke to Fox News Digital in an interview published October 12, 2026. Zhang was arrested earlier that month.

Where

The alleged espionage was in the United States. Zhang was arrested at Los Angeles airport and is accused of targeting a family near Seattle.

Why

Essayli said China seeks to advance its interests by developing sources and recruiting people in the United States.

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