FBI agents launch fresh review of docs on Eric Swalwell's ties to suspected Chinese spy

The Trump administration has directed FBI agents to compile records of an investigation into Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and his past association with a suspected Chinese operative, Christine Fang, also known as Fang Fang, according to reports.

The decade-old inquiry focused on Fang, who helped with fundraising efforts connected to Swalwell. The FBI ultimately closed the case, and the Justice Department did not file charges. Swalwell is running for California governor as the FBI has moved to reexamine the case, per the New York Times.

Recently, numerous FBI staff in California were tasked with gathering and reviewing the concerning files, with instructions to complete the process within days, the report said. 

Through networking with politicians as well as sexual relationships with at least two mayors in the Midwest, Fang was able to gain more proximity to political power in the US. She also targeted politicians and political power in California.

Swalwell first came into contact with Fang when he was a member of the city council in Dublin, California. However, after getting on the FBI’s radar and agents informing Swalwell, he cut off ties with her in 2015.

Fang later left the US, possibly after learning she was under investigation. Swalwell has denied any misconduct. A House Ethics Committee review concluded in 2023 without action.

Swalwell responded in a statement saying, “We now know the outrageous ends the White House will go to target political opponents,” Swalwell said in a statement. “The reason Trump is so desperately trying to stop me is not because I’m running for governor of California, but because now I’m the favorite.”