Guojun Xuan (66) and Silvia Zhang (39) have been arrested in Arcadia after police discovered a "house of horrors" where 21 surrogate‑born children were allegedly abused.
The couple, who operated a surrogacy business, are accused of deceiving women into carrying embryos and then subjecting the children to repeated physical abuse. Surveillance footage from 32 motion‑activated cameras allegedly shows nannies spanking, slapping and hitting infants, according to Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman.
In July 2025, authorities raided the mansion and removed 21 children aged two months to thirteen years; 15 were taken from the home and six from other locations.
One nanny, Chunmei Li (58), who is already wanted on a $105,000 warrant, is alleged to have hit a two‑month‑old boy that led to a hospital visit. Prosecutors say the children’s guardianship centers were physically abused, while the couple used the cameras to monitor the discipline.
Xuan faces up to 17 years and 4 months, while Zhang could receive up to 11 years and 8 months if convicted. They have pleaded not guilty and argue the charges are an attack on their constitutional right to have a large family.
Surrogates involved in the case have expressed relief that authorities are holding the couple accountable, citing concerns that their system was abused. The case highlights the urgent need for stronger safeguards in the surrogacy industry.
