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NewsFOX 13 Tampa BayAugust 18, 2026Hillsborough

Declassified FBI records detail former Rep. Eric Swalwell's relationship with suspected Chinese intelligence operative

Newly declassified FBI documents confirm that former Representative Eric Swalwell engaged in physical relations with suspected Chinese intelligence operative Christine 'Fang Fang' Fang on multiple occasions between 2012 and 2015. The records, released by the White House, detail FBI interviews regarding Fang's efforts to influence U.S. political campaigns and place interns in congressional offices.

national securitycampaign financeforeign influencefbi investigationcongressional ethics
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Why It Matters

The disclosure provides public insight into a federal counterintelligence investigation concerning foreign influence operations targeting U.S. political figures and campaign finance laws.

Key Facts

  • Eric Swalwell admitted to FBI agents that he had physical relations with Christine Fang on a 'handful of occasions' between 2012 and March 2015.
  • The FBI investigation examined allegations that Fang Fang facilitated campaign contributions and internship placements in exchange for access to Swalwell.
  • The FBI concluded there was no evidence that Swalwell committed federal corruption violations or participated in a quid-pro-quo scheme.
  • Swalwell was removed as a subject of the FBI investigation in 2017.
  • The FBI found evidence that Fang Fang violated federal election laws regarding foreign-national and conduit contributions.
  • Fang Fang allegedly used conduits to conceal her identity while making campaign contributions to Swalwell in 2013 and 2014.
  • The FBI previously attempted to cultivate Fang Fang as a confidential source under the codename 'RUSTY THUMBS'.
  • Swalwell cut off contact with Fang Fang after receiving a defensive briefing from the FBI in April 2015.
  • The records were declassified by the Trump administration as part of an effort to combat foreign threats to U.S. political systems.

Who's Mentioned

personDonald Trump“Former President who declassified the records”personChristine Fang“Suspected Chinese intelligence operative”organizationAsian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association“Organization linked to internship referrals”personEric Swalwell“Former U.S. Representative from California”organizationFederal Bureau of Investigation“Conducted the investigation into Fang Fang”