The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) seized former congressman Eric Swalwell’s electronic devices at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday night. Two sources familiar with the matter confirmed the event to Fox News Digital.
Following the seizure at the airport, authorities also searched Swalwell’s Washington, D.C., residence on Sunday. The seized devices included at least one cell phone. Sources indicated the action was linked to an investigation into sexual misconduct. Notably, Swalwell was neither arrested nor detained, according to Fox News Digital.
Swalwell, who resigned from Congress amidst allegations of sexual misconduct, had previously served for 13 years. He was facing potential expulsion before leaving his position. Allegations against him include accusations from at least five women, among them a former staffer, who accused him of sexual misconduct or rape. As these allegations surfaced, he also withdrew from the California governor’s race.
Swalwell addressed the allegations at the time of his resignation, stating he intended to fight the charges, though he acknowledged responsibility for his actions. Beyond these allegations, Swalwell encountered additional scrutiny when the White House declassified documents concerning his ties with Christine “Fang Fang” Fang, a suspected Chinese intelligence operative.
According to declassified records, Swalwell informed FBI agents that he had “physical relations” with Fang on a few occasions, with their last encounter reportedly occurring in March 2015. The Government Transparency Task Force released these documents, further involving Swalwell in controversy.
The release of information about his interactions with Fang drew renewed public attention. Swalwell had first discussed his relationship with Fang in interviews with the FBI during 2015 and 2016. Fang was suspected of having connections with China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS), with reports suggesting her parents were known Chinese intelligence officers.
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