FBI Probes California Surrogacy Scam, 21 Kids Removed

Authorities in Arcadia, California, removed 21 children, mostly born to surrogates, from the home of Silvia Zhang and Guojun Xuan after a 2-month-old suffered head trauma allegedly inflicted by a nanny. The couple is accused of misleading surrogate mothers nationwide, with several women believing they were each helping an infertile couple have one child, unaware that dozens of children were being carried for the same parents. Surveillance footage from the couple's mansion, which resembled a hotel, showed nannies violently abusing infants and toddlers, and Zhang and Xuan allegedly delayed seeking medical care for the injured infant. Both have been charged with felony child endangerment and neglect, while the FBI has joined the investigation to uncover the extent of surrogacy fraud and child abuse. The children, aged 2 months to 13 years, are in protective custody as authorities probe the legality of the surrogacy arrangements and the couple's motives. The case has shocked the community and raised concerns about surrogacy oversight and child welfare.