Weiheng Zeng, a 20-year-old Chinese citizen studying at the University of Waterloo in Canada, was arrested on August 23, 2026, at the Ambassador Bridge in Michigan while attempting to enter the United States with his sister and a classmate [1, 2, 3]. He was stopped for secondary inspection after crossing the border in a dark blue Chrysler Town & Country van with Ontario license plates, the same vehicle linked to earlier incidents [1, 3, 4].
Zeng faces charges from the US Department of Justice for making false statements to federal investigators, specifically regarding his activities photographing airports and aircraft [1, 2, 3]. Prosecutors say the charges do not include espionage but contend his behavior suggests espionage-like activity. Assistant US Federal Prosecutor Alyse Wu said, "The activities look like espionage in nature, and given Zeng's foreign citizenship and lack of US ties, he is a flight risk" [1].
US authorities began investigating Zeng in April 2026 after FedEx employees at Chicago O'Hare International Airport reported seeing him photographing aircraft and climbing on a forklift in a parking lot to get better photo angles [1, 2, 3, 5]. Security personnel also observed attempts by Zeng to open locked FedEx trucks and containers [1, 2]. Further investigation revealed Zeng had taken similar photos at Toronto Pearson Airport in Canada in October 2025, targeting specific aircraft including military planes and tail numbers [1, 2, 5].
Zeng allegedly carried out these activities under instructions from a contact he believed was linked to Chinese security services, receiving payments of about $200 for the October incident and China Telecom SIM cards sent every 4-5 months for communications via Huawei phones. He was told to destroy SIM cards and delete messages after use [1, 2, 3, 6].
During his arrest, Zeng's phone was found to contain numerous images of military aircraft and photos of himself and others dressed in tactical gear holding replica rifles. He denied any military training and said the guns were airsoft, stating, "I just like photographing aircraft and was collecting data for a flight radar website; the weapons photos show airsoft guns and I have no military training" [7, 6].
Zeng appeared in federal court in Detroit on September 1, 2026, where he agreed to remain detained during the legal proceedings with a court-appointed public defender [1, 3, 5]. His prosecutors are pressing detention due to concerns he could flee based on his foreign citizenship and the nature of the allegations [1].
The University of Waterloo declined to comment on the criminal case. A university spokesperson said, "The university does not comment on ongoing criminal cases" [1]. Authorities in the Chinese embassies in Canada and the US have not provided any statements [1, 8].
Zeng reportedly has made about 24 entries into the US since 2022, often traveling for academic reasons [1, 3]. His next court hearings are expected in the coming weeks as the case proceeds.
