Investigation Launched After 21 Children Removed from Couple

Local residents come together to discuss child welfare amid investigation.

News Summary

A Southern California couple is under investigation following the removal of 21 children from their custody amid allegations of child abuse and surrogacy scams. Authorities intervened after a young child sustained injuries and reports of neglect surfaced. The couple’s interest in surrogacy has also raised concerns, with former surrogates alleging misleading practices. As the FBI joins the investigation, calls for reform in the surrogacy industry grow louder, focusing on the safety and well-being of children in such arrangements.

Life Under Scrutiny for Southern California Couple After 21 Children Removed

In a story that’s taking plenty of twists and turns, a couple from Southern California is now facing a serious investigation due to allegations of child abuse and potential surrogacy scams. Silvia Zhang, who is 38, and Guojun Xuan, aged 65, had 21 children taken from their care in May 2025. This shocking turn of events has raised eyebrows and sparked conversations across the community.

Children’s Safety Comes First

The authorities stepped in with a rescue mission, removing the children—ranging from just 2 months old to 13 years—from their custody, after reports of abuse surfaced. Out of the total children, 15 were taken from their home in Arcadia, while the remaining six were found in other residences. Most of these young kids fall within the age range of 1 to 3 years old, bringing forth concerns about their well-being and safety.

Unraveling the Nanny Saga

This investigation was ignited when a 2-month-old child sustained a traumatic head injury, which occurred due to a nanny who allegedly shook the baby. Disturbingly, Zhang and Xuan waited two whole days before seeking medical help for the little one. Both parents were arrested but later released, as authorities continue their investigation without filing formal charges against them just yet.

The Mysterious Nanny

The nanny, Chunmei Li, has not been located since an arrest warrant was issued, leaving many wondering about the extent of her role in this troubling case. As investigations unfold, the couple claims their aspirations of having a large family were genuine, and they even presented what appeared to be legitimate birth certificates that list Zhang as the mother of all the children.

Surrogacy Schemes and Suspicion

The couple’s interest in surrogacy has also raised alarms. At least eight women reported being approached to become surrogates for Zhang and Xuan, often receiving misleading information about the couple’s circumstances. For example, a potential surrogate named Esperanza backed out of the arrangement after feeling uneasy about Zhang’s actions.

Seeking Custody

The situation deepened when a woman named Kayla Elliott, who once served as a surrogate for the couple, is now pursuing custody of her baby. That baby is currently residing in foster care—a situation nobody would hope for. Elliott has also raised concerns over the couple potentially exploiting situations within the surrogacy process.

FBI Takes Notice

As if this story couldn’t get any more intense, the FBI has become involved to determine if Zhang and Xuan misled surrogates across the United States. Reports of suspicious behavior from other surrogates have surfaced, including issues such as non-payment and hasty communication lapses during births.

Real Estate and Concerns from Employees

Not only are the couple’s parenting choices under fire, but their business practices are also worthy of scrutiny. Their real estate business was run out of their home, which has become a hive of activity with rooms transformed into offices and surveillance cameras installed for added monitoring. Several former employees have lodged lawsuits against them, citing unfair working conditions and hostile treatment.

The Weight of Child Welfare

More concerning is the revelation that some younger children under the couple’s care might have been subjected to physical and emotional abuse by nannies, and it appears Zhang and Xuan might have been aware of this abuse. Reports indicate that surrogates were told they were aiding a couple struggling with infertility, only to find out later that multiple surrogates were involved simultaneously.

A Call for Reform in Surrogacy

This entire ordeal has sparked discussions regarding the need for more robust oversight within the surrogacy industry. Kayla Elliott’s legal representation has pointed out potential exploitation and safety concerns tied to surrogacy agreements. As the investigation continues, the community watches closely, hoping for clarity and justice regarding the welfare of these children.