Bombshell FBI raids target SoCal officials as investigators probe Chinese foreign influence in California
The FBI launched a sweeping Southern California corruption probe this week, raiding properties tied to three local political figures and a Chinese-language media executive as federal investigators examine possible foreign influence concerns.Agents executed search warrants involving San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman, Ontario Councilmember Alan Wapner and attorney Frank Lizarraga, the main targets of the investigation.James Su, chief executive of Chinese-American media company EDI Media, is a secondary target in the probe.Federal agents searched homes and offices across Southern California, including locations connected to Hagman, Wapner, Lizarraga and Su.Investigators also searched EDI Media’s West Covina offices, a Beverly Hills mansion and obtained records connected to Ontario International Airport.A source close to the investigation characterized it as a public corruption probe with a possible foreign influence component.The FBI confirmed the addresses where warrants were carried out but the agency has not disclosed the nature of the allegations being investigated.The search warrant affidavits remain sealed, and federal officials declined to comment on the case.No arrests have been made.The raids come as US authorities continue investigating concerns that the Chinese government has sought to cultivate influence among American officials and institutions.Hagman and Wapner both serve on the Ontario International Airport Authority, with Wapner serving as president.FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller confirmed that a related search warrant was served at the airport, The Los Angeles Times reported.Investigators also subpoenaed records from Ontario City Hall.Lizarraga is a prominent civil litigator, a University of La Verne trustee and a former Ontario planning commissioner.He previously worked for the Southern California Association of Governments, a regional planning organization representing six counties.The FBI operation follows the guilty plea of former Arc...