In 2019, before Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang accumulated a family through surrogacy, Zhang faced a child abuse accusation for leaving her daughter in a hot car. This incident is highlighted in a motion opposing bail for the couple. It could have affected their surrogacy proceedings had a thorough background check been done, according to attorneys.
Xuan and Zhang avoided existing surrogacy safeguards by creating their own firm, Mark Surrogacy Investments. In the largely unregulated U.S. surrogacy industry, guidelines are scant. Non-independent firms like theirs bypass the usual client checks conducted by established agencies, according to attorney Maya Shulman.
Authorities note that the child left in the car was not seriously injured. Zhang’s case ended with a diversionary plea, completed in 2023, resulting in dismissal. However, Xuan and Zhang face another child abuse case related to mistreatment of surrogate children in their home.
Accusations describe a “house of horrors” where surrogates were beaten. Prosecutors charged Xuan and Zhang with conspiracy to commit child abuse and witness intimidation. Xuan allegedly delivered beatings. They pled not guilty and remain jailed with a $20 million bond.
Xuan’s attorney, Mitchell Krems, attributes the abuse accusations to their nannies and claims anti-Chinese sentiment influences the scrutiny they face. The case raises questions about the couple’s ability to acquire many surrogate children and delays in intervention.
Records reveal that between 2019 and 2025, the couple faced scrutiny from authorities and child services. During their firm’s operation, Zhang threatened a tenant, and Xuan engaged in violent acts like throwing rocks and using a Taser, though local prosecutors dropped charges due to insufficient evidence.
L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services received seven referrals about the couple but removed the children only after a severe abuse case in 2025. Despite investigators and authorities’ interventions, the children moved out when abuse allegations culminated.
A civil lawsuit by five surrogates further complicates the case. Allegations state Xuan and Zhang misled surrogate mothers with promises and dismissed abuse concerns. They allegedly forced an attorney’s narrative assuring mothers that everything was fine despite gathering evidence.
Other troubling incidents involved property disputes and threats by Zhang. Allegations of Xuan throwing rocks and attempting to evict tenants highlight violent tendencies, though these were often legally unpunished.
The civil lawsuit accuses the couple of using deceptive means to build a large family. It claims Xuan’s obsession with fathering was driven by experiences in China under the one-child policy.
Surrogates gave birth across several states, stating they were misled about the surrogacy firm’s ownership and the couple’s many existing children. Allegations of sexual obsession and exploitation of women to extend Xuan’s bloodline were also made, though details remain vague.
After the mansion raid, surrogate mothers resisted the children’s transfer back to Xuan and Zhang, leading to confrontations and legal disputes. Mothers faced threats and lawsuits for custody refusal.
Attorney Jamie Mejarus claims if an independent agency had conducted background checks, surrogates would not have cooperated. The case haunts the surrogacy industry due to its neglected safeguards.