Police in Arcadia, California are investigating a husband and wife accused of running an alleged surrogacy scam after 21 children—mostly born through surrogacy—were found under questionable conditions. The children, ranging from 2 months to 13 years old, were removed from the care of Silvia Zhang and Guojun Xuan, who had been housing 15 of them in their $4 million, 10,000-square-foot residence. The remaining six children had reportedly been relocated to other homes.
Authorities launched the investigation after a 2-month-old infant was admitted to a hospital with severe head trauma. Security camera footage from inside the couple’s home allegedly showed their nanny, Chunmei Li, violently shaking and hitting the baby. Police said further video evidence revealed that other nannies were also seen abusing multiple children.
Following the discovery, all 21 children were taken into protective custody. Investigators found that the children had been born through surrogacy arrangements with women across the country. None of the surrogate mothers knew that others were also carrying children for the same couple at the same time. One surrogate mother, upon discovering her child was placed in foster care, has since started an online fundraiser to cover legal fees.
Neighbors described the interior of Zhang and Xuan’s home as resembling a hotel. With nine bedrooms set up like suites, and a large lobby area complete with a reception-style desk, the property had an eerie, commercial-like appearance.
“It’s kind of set up like a hotel with a big, giant lobby,” said neighbor Hobart Young. Another neighbor, Art Romero, added, “Anytime there’s kids involved in abuse, the people responsible need to be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Zhang and Xuan have been charged with felony child endangerment and neglect, though it remains unclear whether additional charges related to surrogacy fraud will follow. Police also stated that the nannies involved in the abuse have not yet been located, and the investigation is ongoing.
