A University of Waterloo student from China faces federal charges after allegedly crossing into the United States to photograph sensitive areas near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport at the direction of a suspected Chinese government official, according to a newly unsealed FBI affidavit.
Weiheng Zeng, an undergraduate at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, was arrested Sunday after attempting to re-enter the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents found hundreds of aircraft photos on his phone, and court documents allege he was acting under instructions from a Chinese official who told him to destroy SIM cards and use only a Huawei phone to avoid detection.
The affidavit, filed in federal court and first identified by Court Watch's Seamus Hughes, details how Zeng crossed into the U.S. roughly two dozen times since 2022. In April, an individual matching Zeng's description was seen inside the FedEx employee parking lot at O'Hare, climbing onto a forklift to photograph aircraft and attempting to enter a FedEx truck. Investigators linked the activity to Zeng through his vehicle—a dark blue Chrysler Town & Country.
During CBP interviews, Zeng initially claimed he was traveling with family and described his photography as a hobby for a flight radar website. Agents also found images of Zeng and others in tactical clothing holding what he said were airsoft guns. But the affidavit states that encrypted messages on his phone reveal a handler in China directing him to photograph specific areas, including military aircraft and airport infrastructure, and to wipe his phone's data regularly.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about Chinese state actors using overseas students to gather intelligence on sensitive U.S. sites. Similar incidents have been reported in recent years, including charges against a Chinese national for photographing military planes at a Florida airshow. Zeng's defense has not commented publicly; the University of Waterloo confirmed he is enrolled but declined to discuss specifics, citing privacy laws.
Federal prosecutors have charged Zeng with acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government and unlawful entry into a secured area. He remains in custody pending a detention hearing.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- This case demonstrates how foreign intelligence operations can exploit international student programs to bypass traditional surveillance methods, raising security concerns for U.S. airports and military facilities.
- The use of encrypted messaging and instructions to destroy SIM cards suggests sophisticated tradecraft that could be difficult for law enforcement to detect without specific tips or border stops.
- For the thousands of Chinese students in U.S. and Canadian universities, the case may fuel scrutiny and distrust, potentially affecting visa processes and academic exchanges.
Background
The case emerged from a broader pattern of Chinese-linked espionage activity targeting U.S. aviation assets. In 2023, a Chinese national was charged with photographing military aircraft at a Florida airshow. The FBI has previously warned about Beijing's use of students to "crowdsource" imagery of sensitive locations. Zeng, a 21-year-old engineering student, began crossing into the U.S. from Canada in 2022, initially claiming to visit family and friends. The April incident at O'Hare—where he allegedly used a forklift to get better angles—prompted an investigation. Court records show that after his arrest, his phone revealed a chat with a contact identified as "Director Li," who instructed him to focus on "civilian and military planes" and to avoid using iPhones.
Key Perspectives
[U.S. law enforcement]: The FBI and CBP consider this a clear case of economic and military espionage. The affidavit emphasizes the handler's efforts to evade detection, including instructions to use encrypted apps and destroy evidence. Prosecutors argue Zeng poses a flight risk and a national security threat.
[The Chinese government]: Beijing has not commented on the charges. Historically, it has denied allegations of state-sponsored espionage and framed such cases as baseless attempts to stoke anti-China sentiment. It may view this as part of U.S. efforts to limit Chinese technological growth.
[University and student advocates]: The University of Waterloo maintains that it cooperates with authorities but emphasizes support for student well-being. Some student groups worry this could stigmatize Chinese nationals and international students broadly, especially given rising geopolitical tensions.
What to Watch
- The detention hearing scheduled for next week, which will determine whether Zeng remains in custody during trial.
- Any release of additional evidence, such as the full contents of the encrypted messages or the identity of "Director Li."
- Potential diplomatic fallout between the U.S., Canada, and China, including visa restrictions or increased screening of students from China.