Federal authorities executed multiple search warrants targeting former California Representative Eric Swalwell over the weekend as part of a federal investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct. The enforcement actions began on Saturday, August 15, when agents served a warrant upon Swalwell’s arrival at San Francisco Airport, resulting in the seizure of his cell phone. A follow-up warrant was executed on August 16 at his residence in Washington, D.C., where investigators collected additional evidence.
These developments follow a period of renewed scrutiny regarding a decade-old case involving Swalwell and Christine Fang, a suspected Chinese intelligence operative. On August 17, the White House made public declassified records from that investigation, which included transcripts of two FBI interviews. In those sessions, Swalwell acknowledged engaging in a physical relationship with Fang on several occasions throughout 2015. Records indicate that Fang had assisted with fundraising for Swalwell’s 2014 reelection campaign and facilitated the placement of an intern within his congressional office.
Swalwell reportedly severed his connection with Fang in 2015 after federal agents alerted him to concerns regarding her activities. He subsequently cooperated with the agency’s inquiry, and in 2023, the Republican-led House Ethics Committee concluded its own investigation into the matter. The recent activity comes months after FBI Director Kash Patel reportedly advocated for the release of files related to that closed case.
Swalwell, who resigned from Congress and withdrew his bid for California governor in April following accusations of sexual assault and misconduct from several women, has not been charged with a crime in connection with the current federal investigation. The FBI has declined to provide comments regarding the ongoing probe. The report also notes that 16 targeting his residence in Washington, DC, where agents seized additional evidence, The New York Times, CBS and NBC among others.
