FBI Tried to Recruit Chinese Spy Linked to Swalwell | Dayton News

Dayton News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 17, 2026 · 2m

FBI files reveal a shocking twist in the case of a suspected Chinese spy, codenamed “Rusty Thumbs,” who was allegedly recruited before any investigation began — even as she flirted with politicians and joked about marrying wealthy Beijing elites. Her alleged ties to Rep. Eric Swalwell, then on the House Intelligence Committee, sparked a firestorm that led to his removal from the panel — only for Democrats to reinstate him later. Though Swalwell faced scrutiny over campaign donations, the FBI ultimately found no wrongdoing on his part, shifting focus to the spy’s own violations, including…