Federal authorities carried out a series of raids across Southern California this week as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged foreign influence and public corruption involving local officials and entities linked to the Chinese government. FBI agents executed search warrants at multiple locations, including the residences and offices of San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman, Ontario City Council member Alan Wapner, attorney Frank Lizarraga, and James Su, chief executive of EDI Media, a prominent Chinese-American media organization based in West Covina. Additional searches included a Beverly Hills mansion owned by a Chinese family and facilities at Ontario International Airport.
The investigation reportedly centers on efforts by Chinese government agents and collaborators to sway political activities within the Los Angeles region and beyond. Authorities are probing allegations that these actors sought to influence local politics and the Chinese-American population through various means. EDI Media, which operates bilingual platforms encompassing radio, television, and film production reaching millions globally, was required to register as a foreign agent in May 2022 due to its prior publication of a newspaper designated as a “foreign mission” of the Chinese government. James Su donated $500 to a local political campaign in 2022, attracting additional scrutiny.
The FBI and U.S. attorney’s office declined to comment on the specifics of the investigation, citing sealed search warrant affidavits. No arrests have been made to date. In addition to the raids at elected officials’ properties, investigators have also conducted searches at Lancaster City Hall and the homes of two city council members in related inquiries. Subpoenas were issued for records at Ontario City Hall, and the FBI confirmed the execution of search warrants at Ontario International Airport.
The probe forms part of a broader federal effort addressing potential foreign interference in local governance, reflecting growing concerns among intelligence officials about Chinese government influence on U.S. soil. One noted high-profile case outside of California involved a former senior deputy to New York governors accused of acting as a Chinese agent; that trial ended in a hung jury and is set for retrial.
Locally, officials have reacted with caution amid the unfolding investigation. U.S. Representative Norma Torres expressed serious concern over the FBI’s scrutiny of elected leaders, emphasizing the importance of zero tolerance for corruption. Frank Lizarraga, who also serves as a University of La Verne trustee and is a former Ontario city planning commissioner, has not publicly commented. Efforts to obtain statements from all involved parties, including the Chinese automaker BYD connected to the inquiries, were unsuccessful.
As investigations continue, Southern California’s political landscape is facing increased uncertainty regarding foreign influence allegations, with authorities maintaining tight-lipped on further details.