Wanying Zhang, a California-based realtor accused of spying for China, allegedly misled pretrial services by failing to disclose the full extent of her real estate holdings, which prosecutors estimate to be worth approximately $11 million. Zhang was arrested on October 4 at Los Angeles International Airport as she attempted to board a flight to Shanghai, facing charges of acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government.

Prosecutors contend that Zhang, also known as Heather, disclosed ownership of only one property, while she and her husband, Edric Ding, also a real estate agent, appear to own seven homes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Elbogen informed a Los Angeles judge that Zhang, as a real estate agent, should be aware of her property ownership. Her attorney, Craig Harbaugh, attributed the discrepancy to a "misunderstanding."

Zhang, who obtained her real estate license in September 2016, has reportedly sold at least 125 homes ranging in price from $510,000 to $8.8 million. She and Ding, who work at JC Pacific Capital, have generated nearly $16 million from selling homes they owned. One of their properties, a six-bedroom house in Irvine, was sold for nearly $6 million in May.

Concerns about the source of Zhang's wealth have been raised by a colleague at JC Pacific Capital. "It is out of the question to earn that much from commission and become a real estate mogul," the colleague, who requested anonymity, told The Post. "Maybe she really was working for China."

Prosecutors also allege Zhang had access to a Chinese cryptocurrency account containing $190,000, from which she was reportedly still receiving profits. Her brother's alleged ties to the Chinese government have also been noted.

In court, a judge deemed Zhang a flight risk, ordering her detention without bail. The investigation has also brought attention to businessman Fatai Miao, who is believed to be "individual 1" mentioned in court documents. Miao allegedly accompanied Zhang to Seattle in September 2025, where she is accused of surveilling the son of Taiwan's president. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Zhang with a man taking pictures of a house and its relatives. Miao is not accused of wrongdoing but is considered a person of interest.

JC Pacific Capital released a statement acknowledging the charges against Zhang and pledging full cooperation with federal authorities. The brokerage also stated it stands by Zhang and her family during this difficult time.