In 2019, Silvia Zhang faced a misdemeanor child abuse accusation for leaving her daughter in a hot car for hours. This incident, described in a prosecutor’s motion opposing bail, raises concerns about the couple’s suitability for surrogacy, as Guojun Xuan and Zhang have amassed over 20 surrogate children. According to civil attorneys, a thorough background check by a surrogacy firm could have prevented their involvement in the surrogacy process.
Maya Shulman, a surrogacy lawyer, explained that independent firms usually perform due diligence on both clients and surrogates. However, Xuan and Zhang managed to bypass these safeguards by establishing their own firm, Mark Surrogacy Investments. Shulman noted that no respectable agency would have represented Zhang.
The Sheriff’s Department spokesperson reported that Zhang’s daughter was not seriously injured, and the charges were dismissed after a diversionary plea agreement with L.A. County prosecutors, completed in 2023. All records remain sealed.
Recently, Xuan, 66, and Zhang, 39, were charged in another child abuse case. They allegedly operated a “house of horrors,” subjecting children to beatings and punishments at their Arcadia mansion through several nannies. Charges include conspiracy to commit child abuse and witness intimidation. Xuan also faces allegations of personally delivering abuse. Both pleaded not guilty and remain jailed in lieu of $20 million bail.
Xuan’s attorney, Mitchell Krems, attributes abuse to the nannies and claims anti-Chinese sentiment may influence scrutiny. Their case raises questions about their ability to amass so many children and delay in intervention by authorities.
A Times review uncovered repeated scrutiny of Xuan and Zhang by local authorities and child services. The records show accusations against them spanning from 2020 to 2025, including threats and violent behavior. However, prosecutors declined to file charges due to insufficient evidence or other reasons.
The Arcadia mansion, where abuse allegedly occurred, was searched by the FBI. The investigation involves surrogacy fraud and potential money laundering. Prosecutors have CCTV footage from April to May 2025, indicating directed abuse.
Chunmei Li, a nanny, was charged with assault after severely beating a 2-month-old. Li fled to Mexico, then China, allegedly with Xuan and Zhang’s assistance.
The couple’s large family aspiration stems from their experiences under China’s one-child policy. Despite shady history, Mark Surrogacy Investments, founded in 2021, lists their mansion as headquarters and arranged surrogate births, bypassing typical legal advocacy checks.
Lawsuits reveal accusations of fraud and unethical practices against Xuan and Zhang. Surrogates who sued them claim misinformation and lack of disclosure. Instances of retaliation include threats and lawsuits to enforce custody.
Krems argues heavy scrutiny results from the couple’s non-traditional family model and public speculation. Meanwhile, the industry’s reputation suffers from associations with this case, according to Shulman. She emphasizes the necessity of independent agencies to prevent similar misconduct.