Photo of Chinese consulate in Chicago from Alan Scott Walker via Wikimedia Creative Commons
A young woman suspected of being a Chinese spy befriended local and national politicians as part of a espionage operation, according to an Axios investigation.
The news website exclusively reported those politicians included Rep Ro Khanna (D-CA), Rep Judy Chu (D-CA) Rep Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) and Rep Eric Swalwell (D-CA).
Axios identified the woman as Christine Fang, also known as Fang Fang, who at the time was enrolled at a Bay Area university which the story did not identify.
The activity allegedly occurred between 2013 and 2015. She has reportedly since left the United States.
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According to Axios, Fang used her charm and charisma to gain political influence.
Among local politicians she reportedly contacted were two midwestern mayors who she allegedly had a sexual relationship with.
“She disappeared off the face of everything,” said Gilbert Wong, the former mayor of Cupertino, California, who told Axios he remembered seeing her at numerous political events.
“Rep. Swalwell, long ago, provided information about this person — whom he met more than eight years ago, and whom he hasn’t seen in nearly six years — to the FBI,” A spokesperson for Swalwell said to Axios. “To protect information that might be classified, he will not participate in your story.”
Neither Fang, the Chinese consulate or the FBI responded to Axios request for comment.
AsAmNews has reached out to Rep Chu and Rep Khanna for comment. This story will be updated as we get more information.
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