FBI Raids SoCal Officials in Chinese Influence Probe
The FBI is investigating Southern California officials and a Chinese media executive for alleged corruption and foreign influence involving Ontario International Airport Authority members.
According to Daniel Farr writing in New York Post, the investigation centers on San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman, Ontario Councilmember Alan Wapner, and attorney Frank Lizarraga, who are identified as the primary targets. A secondary focus involves James Su, chief executive of Chinese-American media company EDI Media.
Federal agents searched homes and offices throughout Southern California this week, including EDI Media’s West Covina headquarters, a Beverly Hills mansion, and secured records from Ontario International Airport. Sources familiar with the matter have characterized the probe as investigating public corruption with potential foreign influence elements.
The FBI has confirmed executing search warrants at multiple addresses but has declined to specify the nature of the allegations. The warrant affidavits remain under seal, and no arrests have been made.
Airport Authority Under Scrutiny
Both Hagman and Wapner serve on the Ontario International Airport Authority, with Wapner holding the position of president. FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller confirmed that agents served a related search warrant at the airport facility, while investigators also subpoenaed records from Ontario City Hall.
Lizarraga maintains a prominent profile as a civil litigator, University of La Verne trustee, and former Ontario planning commissioner. His background includes work with the Southern California Association of Governments, a regional planning body covering six counties.
Media Company Registered as Foreign Agent
EDI Media registered as a foreign agent in May 2022 following its involvement in printing the U.S. edition of a newspaper classified as a foreign mission of the Chinese government. The company describes itself as the largest Chinese American multimedia organization in the United States, operating bilingual digital platforms, radio networks, and television channels.
According to company statements, EDI Media produces over 2,000 hours of programming annually and claims to reach more than 35 million people worldwide. Records show the company donated $500 to the campaign of former Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang in October 2022.
Andrew Cowan, Su’s attorney, stated his client is an American citizen who has contributed to political campaigns across party lines and remains unaware why federal authorities searched properties linked to him. Cowan noted Su is only acquainted with Hagman among the individuals connected to the investigation.
Pattern of Chinese Influence Operations
The raids follow Wang’s guilty plea to charges that she operated under direction from the Chinese government to advance propaganda within the United States. Prosecutors alleged Wang helped run U.S. News Center, a website presenting itself as a news outlet for Chinese Americans while executing directives from Beijing.
Federal agents also searched a 21,000-square-foot Beverly Hills mansion on North Canon Drive. Property records indicate the residence sold in 2023 for $24.6 million, purchased by a Chinese mainland family through two companies including one registered in Delaware. The previous owner was Kurdish general Mansour Banzani.
Wider Probe Into China Ties
The Southern California operation represents the latest in a series of federal investigations examining potential Chinese government influence over American officials. Separate FBI activity recently targeted Lancaster City Hall and the residences of two council members, with sources indicating investigators sought communications between city officials and Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD, which operates a significant bus production facility in Lancaster.
Intelligence officials have expressed mounting concern that Beijing has systematically attempted to cultivate relationships with local elected leaders throughout the United States as part of broader influence operations. U.S. Representative Norma Torres, a Democrat representing Pomona, stated she was deeply troubled by reports of FBI warrants served on San Bernardino County officials.
The investigation unfolds as federal authorities continue monitoring foreign influence concerns across multiple jurisdictions, with particular attention on Chinese government efforts to penetrate American political and civic institutions at the local level.
With information from New York Post
