California couple faces child abuse charges stemming from surrogacy scandal
Authorities have arrested a couple at the center of a surrogacy scandal in Southern California. The duo now faces multiple child abuse charges stemming from an investigation launched in May. 21 children, mostly surrogate-born, were taken from their Arcadia mansion in 2025. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
A California couple, Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang, were arrested on Tuesday in connection with a surrogacy scandal. The Los Angeles District Attorney, Nathan J. Hochman, announced that they are being charged with multiple counts of conspiracy to commit child abuse and dissuading a witness. Bail for the couple has been set at an astonishing $100 million.
The couple gained national attention last year when authorities raided their Arcadia mansion in July 2025 and removed 21 children, most of whom were surrogate-born, into state custody. The allegations against the couple are deeply disturbing, involving severe punishment and beatings resulting in child abuse, according to Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman.
The FBI conducted a separate search at the home, separate from the sheriff's department search. A neighbor reported seeing helicopters and police at the mansion, with the entire block taped off. This is a developing story, and CBS News urges readers to check back for further updates.
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