Businessman Flees US Amid Allegations He Aided Lover Accused of Being Chinese Spy
Fatai Miao, a Chinese-born construction entrepreneur, is believed to have left the country after prosecutors revealed his connection to a real estate agent allegedly spying for Beijing.
A Southern California businessman, Fatai Miao, has reportedly fled the United States amid allegations that he aided his lover, a real estate agent accused of spying for China. Miao, a Chinese-born construction entrepreneur, is believed to have accompanied realtor Wanying Zhang to Seattle in September 2025, where she allegedly surveilled the son of Taiwan's president. Prosecutors revealed Miao's connection to Zhang in court on Wednesday, referring to him as "Individual 1." His home in Irvine was searched by FBI agents on Sunday.
Miao's departure came as Zhang, also known as Heather Zhang, faces charges of acting as an agent for China. She was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday while attempting to board a flight to Shanghai. Prosecutors allege Zhang surveilled Ting-Yu Lai, the son of Taiwan President Ching-te Lai, who is an engineer based in the U.S. Zhang, who worked for a real estate firm with her husband, Edric Ding, has children with Ding.
During a court hearing on Wednesday, prosecutors argued that Zhang is a flight risk and an "unfit mother." They presented evidence of a secret Chinese cryptocurrency account allegedly holding $190,000, from which Zhang was still receiving profits. Zhang's brother also reportedly has ties to the Chinese government. Judge Steve Kim ruled that Zhang was a flight risk and denied her bail, and she is currently in U.S. Marshals custody. Her next court appearance is scheduled for October 19.
An image has surfaced showing Zhang wearing a red baseball cap at a San Francisco event in November 2023, alongside members of the All American Chinese Association. This association has been linked to organizations and individuals connected to the Chinese Communist Party's "united front" system, which aims to build relationships with overseas Chinese communities and influential figures abroad.
Before her arrest, Zhang appeared to maintain a lavish lifestyle, with social media posts documenting trips to Paris and other activities. She is also believed to have graduated from the University of Southern California. Zhang's arrest is part of a series of cases in California involving allegations of covert Chinese government activity, including the recent plea of former Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang and the FBI's investigation into U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell's past connections with a suspected Chinese spy.