Newly declassified FBI files reveal former Representative Eric Swalwell admitted to having a physical relationship with Christine Fang, a suspected Chinese intelligence operative who cultivated relationships with American politicians for years before fleeing the country.

Ambien Defense and Surprise Visits

According to FBI interview summaries from May 2015, Swalwell told federal investigators he engaged in physical relations with Fang on multiple occasions but maintained they never dated or had a romantic relationship. In one documented instance, Swalwell claimed Fang arrived unannounced at his apartment one evening, and he barely remembered the encounter because he had taken Ambien before she arrived. The files, released Monday by the White House Transparency Task Force, provide the most detailed public account of the relationship that first came to light through an Axios investigation in 2020.

Campaign Finance Scheme Investigation

Federal investigators suspected Fang orchestrated a scheme involving campaign donations and congressional internships. An FBI opening memorandum stated the investigation examined whether internships in Swalwell offices were promised in exchange for campaign contributions, potentially involving conduit donors or foreign nationals. The bureau conducted a yearslong undercover operation to gather evidence for potential criminal charges. However, a post-operation review concluded investigators failed to obtain sufficient evidence to indict either Swalwell or Fang for campaign finance violations or quid pro quo exchanges.

No Charges Despite Suspicions

A 2017 FBI case memorandum stated investigators found no violations of federal corruption statutes perpetrated by Swalwell. The investigation was subsequently retitled to focus exclusively on Fang and alleged election law violations. While the FBI discovered evidence suggesting Fang may have violated various campaign finance laws, federal prosecutors determined prosecution was not viable due to national security concerns. Fang left the United States and was later barred from reentry. The case resurfaced in March when Swalwell, then running for governor before resigning from Congress amid sexual assault allegations he denies, accused FBI Director Kash Patel of reviving the investigation for political reasons.