The FBI executed search warrants this week at properties connected to San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman, Ontario Councilmember Alan Wapner, attorney Frank Lizarraga, and James Su, chief executive of Chinese-American media company EDI Media, as part of a public corruption probe with a possible foreign influence component. No arrests have been made in connection with the raids, which occurred at multiple locations across Southern California, including homes and offices.
Federal agents also searched EDI Media’s West Covina offices and obtained records related to the Ontario International Airport. Wapner has served on the Ontario City Council for over 30 years and, along with Hagman, is a member of the Ontario International Airport Authority, with Wapner serving as its president. Hagman is a Republican representing the 4th District of San Bernardino County.
The FBI confirmed that warrants were executed at specific addresses but declined to comment on the nature of the allegations under investigation. The search warrant affidavits remain sealed.
This investigation occurs as U.S. authorities continue to examine concerns that the Chinese government is attempting to cultivate influence among American officials and institutions. The FBI operation follows the guilty plea of former Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang, who admitted to being directed by the Chinese government to promote propaganda in the United States. Prosecutors alleged Wang operated a website, US News Center, that presented itself as a news source for Chinese Americans while carrying out directives from Beijing.
EDI Media, which describes itself as the largest Chinese American multimedia company in the United States, registered as a foreign agent in May 2022. The company previously printed the U.S. version of a newspaper considered a “foreign mission” of the Chinese government. It operates bilingual digital platforms, radio networks, and television channels, producing over 2,000 hours of programming annually and reaching an estimated 35 million people worldwide.
Andrew Cowan, an attorney for Su, stated that his client is an American citizen who has donated to political campaigns across the political spectrum and is unaware of the reasons for the FBI search. Cowan added that Su is only familiar with Hagman among the individuals connected to the searches.
In a separate but related inquiry, federal agents previously searched Lancaster City Hall and the homes of two council members. While details of that investigation remain undisclosed, a source familiar with a warrant indicated investigators were seeking communications between city officials and the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD, which has a significant bus manufacturing facility in Lancaster.
U.S. Rep. Norma Torres expressed concern over the FBI's actions, stating, “I am deeply troubled by the reports the FBI has executed warrants against elected officials in San Bernardino County. I am awaiting further information, but our community has zero tolerance for any corruption at any level of our government.” The FBI investigation is ongoing.