California Surrogacy Scandal: Couple Under Investigation After 21 Children Taken Into Custody

A Southern California couple, Silvia Zhang, 38, and Guojun Xuan, 65, are at the center of a rapidly unfolding investigation by local and federal authorities after their infant child was hospitalized with a traumatic head injury in May. This incident has led to a shocking discovery: authorities have since removed 21 children from the couple’s custody, many of whom were born via surrogacy.

The case has drawn attention to the complex world of surrogacy, with multiple women coming forward to describe concerning interactions with Zhang and Xuan. Esperanza, who nearly served as a surrogate for the couple, backed out after receiving unsettling requests and conflicting information, including being asked if her friends would also carry children for them. Another surrogate, Kayla Elliott, who gave birth to a baby girl for the couple in March, is now fighting for custody of the child.

The Arcadia Police Department, near Los Angeles, confirmed that the FBI is involved in the investigation, probing whether the couple misled surrogates across the country. Elliott has already been interviewed by the FBI. Records show a company, Mark Surrogacy Investments LLC, linked to the couple’s Arcadia home, was registered until this past June. Concerns have also been raised about unfulfilled payment obligations and the couple’s absence during children’s births.

Zhang and Xuan were initially arrested in May following the infant’s injury, which police attribute to a nanny violently shaking the baby. While no charges were filed immediately, detectives anticipate presenting a case for possible child abuse charges within weeks. The couple reportedly told police they desired a large family and provided what appeared to be legitimate birth certificates for the children, who range in age from 2 months to 13 years, with most being between 1 and 3 years old.

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