US News

California couple arrested on child abuse charges linked to surrogacy operation

Authorities allege the pair oversaw abuse involving at least 21 children and request $100 million bail.

Updated Oct 9, 2026 · 00:48 UTC8 reports

The short version

California residents Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang were arrested on multiple charges including child abuse, conspiracy, accessory after the fact, and witness dissuasion.[The Guardian · ABC News]
The investigation involves at least 21 children, after 15 were removed from the couple's Arcadia residence last year and six others were found elsewhere.[The Guardian · ABC News]
Prosecutors requested $100 million bail due to flight risk concerns, while Xuan's defense attorney previously stated Xuan sought to raise productive contributors to society.[ABC News]

Silvia Zhang and Guojun Xuan were arrested following an investigation into a surrogacy scheme involving at least 21 children.[The Guardian · ABC News]
Authorities removed 15 children from the couple's Arcadia home last year following abuse reports, and six additional children living elsewhere were identified.[The Guardian]
The couple faces charges of child abuse, conspiracy to commit child abuse, accessory after the fact, and dissuading a witness, according to District Attorney Nathan Hochman.[ABC News]
Prosecutors have requested $100 million bail for Zhang and Xuan, citing flight risk and the severity of the allegations.[ABC News]
The couple's initial May 2025 arrest occurred after a hospital reported that an infant sustained a head injury from being shaken by a nanny.[The Guardian]

Whether the court will grant prosecutors' request for $100 million bail remains pending ahead of arraignment.[ABC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.