Newly released FBI files detail the activities of Christine Fang, a suspected Chinese intelligence operative known as “Fang Fang,” who allegedly infiltrated California politics and engaged in a relationship with Rep. Eric Swalwell. The documents, made public by the White House Transparency Task Force, describe Fang’s recruitment of individuals for political campaigns, her alleged illegal fundraising activities, and her interactions with several California politicians.
Fang, described in FBI documents as having a "narcissistic" personality and motivated by a desire for "money" and "power," operated in the United States for approximately four years. Investigators noted she was a "striking individual" who presented herself as wealthy and fashionable, which aided her in gaining access to political circles.
According to the FBI files, Fang met Eric Swalwell in 2012, when he was not yet a member of Congress. Their relationship, which Swalwell later described to investigators as a "casual" friends-with-benefits arrangement, involved them seeing each other every couple of months. Swalwell admitted to investigators that he had sexual encounters with Fang, including instances when he had consumed Ambien.
The FBI investigated Fang and even considered recruiting her as a counterintelligence asset. An FBI memo dated June 2013 refers to her by the codename “Rusty Thumbs.” However, the bureau reportedly discovered her involvement in illegal campaign fundraising for Swalwell, which halted the recruitment process. Fang allegedly boasted about her ability to "use her sexuality on politicians" and claimed to have used her influence to gain access to political events, including a U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting.
Fang also reportedly volunteered and fundraised for other California politicians, including former Fremont Mayor Bill Harrison and the late San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee. She allegedly assisted with organizing events and volunteered for former Governor Jerry Brown. Her resume, provided to the FBI, highlighted her success in connecting with high-level state officials.
Fang arrived in the United States in 2011 as a student at California State University East Bay, where she founded the Chinese Students Association. Her parents were believed to have ties to China's Ministry of State Security.
According to a 2017 FBI memo, Fang departed the United States around mid-2015 and has since been barred from re-entry. While her current whereabouts are unknown, a Facebook account linked to her reportedly posted a photo in 2024.
