A two-year investigation into Rep. Eric Swalwell’s (D-Calif.) associations with a Chinese national and suspected spy has concluded, the bipartisan House Ethics Committee stated on May 22.
Swalwell published the letter on his official website.
“As you are aware, on April 9, 2021, the Committee on Ethics (Committee) informed you that it had determined to investigate allegations raised in the complaint that you may have violated House Rules, laws, or other standards of conduct in connection with your interactions with Ms. Christine Fang,” the letter reads.
“The Committee will take no further action in this matter.”
Despite the committee’s conclusion, Guest and Wild urged Swalwell to remain cautious and conscious of the possibility of improper influence by foreign agents and governments who they said may attempt to secure improper influence through gifts and other interactions.
“We encourage you to contact the Office of House Security for any guidance on steps you can take to prevent or address such attempts,” the letter reads.
Political Intelligence, Influence Operations
Swalwell has been embroiled in the Chinese spy saga since 2020, when reports emerged that he had been targeted by a suspected Chinese intelligence operative known as Fang Fang or Christine Fang.Fang also reportedly took part in a fundraising activity for Swalwell’s 2014 reelection campaign.
A year later, in 2015, Swalwell was appointed to the House Intelligence Committee, at which time federal investigators alerted him that they were concerned by Fang’s suspicious activity and behavior and suspected that she was gathering political intelligence and conducting influence operations in the Bay Area.
The Democrat immediately cut ties with Fang, who promptly left the country, according to the report.
Swalwell Blames ‘MAGA GOP’
However, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) removed Swalwell from the House Intelligence Committee in January amid the ongoing investigation, citing concerns over security.“Nearly 10 years ago, I assisted the FBI in their counterintelligence investigation of a campaign volunteer. The case and my assistance were briefed to Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner, and two years later, Republican Speaker of the House Paul Ryan re-appointed me to the House Intelligence Committee,” Swalwell said.
“Neither speaker questioned my actions nor politicized my cooperation. Despite the FBI repeatedly saying I was nothing but helpful and never accused of wrongdoing, this complaint was filed by a House Republican.
“It’s time to move on. The bipartisan House Ethics Committee had this case for over two years. They had the power of subpoena. They received answers from me in response to requests for information. Today, they are closing this matter and did not make a finding of any wrongdoing. If the intent in bringing this complaint and leveling false smears was to silence me, that is not going to happen. I will continue to be a voice on behalf of my constituents and a passionate defender of democracy.”
McCarthy’s office didn’t respond by press time to a request by The Epoch Times for comment.