Declassified FBI Docs Reveal Former Representative Eric Swalwell Had S*x With Christine 'Fang Fang'

Newly declassified FBI records released by the White House Government Transparency Task Force reveal that former Representative Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) admitted to federal investigators that he engaged in "physical relations" (s*x) with suspected Chinese intelligence operative Christine "Fang Fang" Fang on a "handful of occasions". The documents, declassified by President Donald Trump as part of an administration-wide effort to review foreign influence in U.S. politics, detail two formal interviews conducted by the FBI in May 2015 and March 2016.

The sessions were part of a broader counterintelligence investigation into Fang’s efforts to infiltrate U.S. political circles through campaign donations and office internships. California Governor Candidate Rep. Eric Swalwell Denies Assault Allegations.

Admissions of Physical Contact

During his 2015 interview at an FBI field office in Oakland, Swalwell acknowledged that he and Fang had maintained a casual physical relationship that lasted until March 2015. Swalwell, who assumed office in 2013, maintained that the two "never dated" and "never had a romantic relationship". In the 2016 follow-up interview, Swalwell described specific encounters, including one instance where Fang arrived at his apartment unannounced. According to an FBI summary of the session, Swalwell noted that he had "little recollection" of the event because he had taken a powerful sleep medication prior to her arrival. "FANG left after a couple hours. Swalwell barely remembers the event because he had taken Ambien prior to FANG arriving," the document states. Swalwell told agents he believed that while he viewed the interactions as casual, Fang "may have wanted a more romantic relationship."

Scope of the Counterintelligence Investigation

The nearly 150 pages of records clarify the nature of the FBI's scrutiny regarding Fang, who was suspected of having ties to China’s Ministry of State Security. Investigators examined whether Fang used "conduit contributions"—donations funneled through third parties to conceal their origin—to gain access to the congressman. The files confirm that Fang orchestrated illegal campaign contributions to Swalwell’s team on at least four occasions between 2013 and 2014. Additionally, she frequently referred prospective interns to Swalwell’s office. Swalwell told agents he believed these referrals were legitimate, originating from the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (APAPA), an organisation with which Fang was affiliated. 'You're a Fake Reporter': Donald Trump Slams CNN Journalist Kristen Holmes Over Natalie Harp and North Korea Questions (Video).

Findings and Case Closure

Despite the scope of the inquiry, the FBI ultimately found insufficient evidence to charge Swalwell with federal corruption or a quid pro quo arrangement. The bureau removed him as a subject of the investigation in 2017. However, the records affirm that federal agents did find evidence that Fang herself violated federal election laws. The FBI had previously attempted to cultivate Fang as a confidential human source - codenamed "RUSTY THUMBS" - due to her suspected intelligence connections.

According to the files, agents provided Swalwell with a defensive briefing in April 2015 regarding the risks of foreign intelligence targeting. Swalwell told investigators during his 2016 interview that he had terminated all contact with Fang following that briefing.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 18, 2026 08:46 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).