A Chinese 'honey trap spy' allegedly had sex with US mayors and even developed ties with national politicians, including members of congress, it is claimed.
The alleged spy was named as Fang Fang - or Christine Fang - in an expose published by Axios on Tuesday.
The year-long investigation claimed the 'intelligence operative' had a romantic or sexual relationship with at least two mayors from the Midwest.
It is said at least two separate sexual encounters with elected officials were captured on FBI surveillance equipment, including one interaction involving a mayor.
This encounter allegedly took place in a car and involved a mayor from Ohio, with Fang later reportedly saying she was drawn to the politician because she wanted to improve her English.
Fang allegedly also had links with congressman Eric Swalwell, reportedly helping to raise funds for the politician.
The Democrat's office told The Sun : "Rep. Swalwell, long ago, provided information about this person — whom he met more than eight years ago, and whom he hasn’t seen in nearly six years — to the FBI. To protect information that might be classified, he will not participate in your story."
There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing on Swalwell's part or that he had a sexual relationship with Fang.
Fang also allegedly fundraised for congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.
There is no suggestion of wrongdoing or a sexual relationship with Fang.
Gabbard has been approached for comment by Mirror Online.
Fang reportedly enrolled at Cal State East Bay university in 2011 and was in her late 20s or early 30s.
It is believed she had regular contact with a suspected Chinese state security officer under diplomatic cover at the San Francisco consulate, Axios reports.
Despite this, US intelligence official are said to believe her main handlers were in China.
Fang fled the US in mid-2015 while under investigation the authorities.
