LOS ANGELES, CA — Authorities have removed 21 children from the custody of a Southern California couple, Silvia Zhang and Guojun Xuan, who are under investigation for potential child abuse and misleading surrogates.
The investigation began after their infant child was hospitalized with a traumatic head injury reportedly caused by a violent incident involving a nanny.
Esperanza, a woman who was approached to be a surrogate for the couple, voiced her concerns about their behavior and the information they provided regarding their family situation.
She opted out of signing the surrogacy contract after Zhang asked if she had friends interested in also becoming surrogates, which raised red flags for her.
The couple’s quest for a large family has since drawn scrutiny from both local and federal authorities, as Esperanza and several other women reported aggressive tactics used by Zhang and Xuan to recruit potential surrogates.
Some women have recounted being misled about the couple’s intentions and family background.
Packages of birth certificates have been produced by the couple, appearing legitimate and listing Zhang as the mother of the children with Xuan as the father on various documents.
Esperanza, who chose to remain anonymous, reported receiving an attractive $60,000 compensation offer for her surrogacy services.
While she backed out of the contract, she expressed discomfort after an abrupt conversation with the couple’s lawyer, revealing problematic elements in the surrogacy agreement.
Compellingly, Esperanza shared that she received texts from Zhang offering additional bonuses in exchange for continuing with the surrogacy process, suggesting a proactive financial incentive for her participation.
Kayla Elliott, another woman who became a surrogate for Zhang and Xuan, described her experience of feeling less connected to the couple during her pregnancy.
Initiating her journey when Mark Surrogacy directly contacted her, Elliott signed a contract that listed Xuan and Zhang as intended parents and promised her $45,000 for carrying their child.
However, her unease grew when she noticed a lack of participation from the couple, who were rarely present during key moments in the surrogacy process, including her birth.
Despite being informed that the couple was very occupied, she became increasingly suspicious when discovering they were working with multiple surrogates simultaneously.
Elliott noted that during her labor, neither Zhang nor Xuan were present, further amplifying her doubts about their involvement and intentions.
Once her baby girl was born, Elliott remarked on Zhang’s apparent lack of emotional connection as she arrived hours later to collect the child.
Elliott affirmed that she now seeks custody of her daughter, expressing deep concern about the safety of all the children involved in this situation.
Efforts to communicate directly with Zhang about welfare matters yielded ambiguous responses, leaving Elliott anxious about the fate of her child and the others.
The investigation encompasses an array of allegations, including possible child abuse and the manipulation of surrogacy processes across the nation.
As authorities pursue this case, they have already enlisted the help of the FBI, reflecting the serious nature of the claims about misleading practices in surrogacy agreements.
Arcadia Police Lieutenant Kollin Cieadlo confirmed that the search for clarification and potential charges is ongoing, as investigators look into the details surrounding the couple’s multiple children.
Under current scrutiny, Zhang and Xuan have not publicly addressed the allegations or the removal of their children from custody.
As the investigation unfolds, many involved, including former surrogates and authorities, are keenly focused on ensuring that the well-being of all affected children is prioritized.
This scenario sheds light on the often-overlooked complexities surrounding surrogacy, particularly when issues of integrity and transparency come into play, highlighting the essential need for rigorous oversight in the practice.
image source from：patch
