A suspected Chinese spy got so close to a number of politicians – including
Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif. – that the FBI stepped in to disrupt the situation, even going so far as to give a “defensive briefing” to Swalwell, a report has found.
Axios reported that a Chinese national named Fang Fang or Christine Fang targeted up-and-coming local politicians, including those who had the potential to become national figures.
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Current and former intelligence officials told the outlet that Fang used campaign fundraising, networking and rallies as well as romantic relationships with at least two Midwestern mayors to gain proximity to political power. She also attended regional mayoral conferences.
While officials do not believe she received or passed on classified information, officials believed the case “was a big deal, because there were some really, really sensitive people that were caught up in the network,” one official told the outlet.
As for Swalwell, Fang reportedly took part in fundraising for the liberal congressman’s 2014 reelection campaign . . .
