Declassified FBI Files Link Eric Swalwell to Chinese Operative

Declassified FBI files reveal that Eric Swalwell admitted in 2015 to having sexual encounters with Fang Fang, a Chinese national and suspected operative for China's Ministry of State Security. Codenamed Rusty Thumbs, Fang allegedly attempted to influence U.S. politicians through romantic relationships and fundraising. FBI records indicate she funneled illegal campaign contributions to Swalwell in exchange for placing interns in his congressional office, though the agency eventually determined he did not violate federal statutes.

The FBI had previously attempted to recruit Fang as a double agent in 2013, ending the effort in 2014. These revelations emerged while Swalwell was running for Governor of California. In response, Swalwell sent a cease-and-desist letter to FBI Director Kash Patel to block the release of the investigative files.

Following the disclosure and additional allegations of sexual assault from former staffers, Swalwell withdrew from the gubernatorial race. He resigned from Congress on April 13, 2026.