# Controversies in large-scale U.S. surrogacy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/controversies-in-large-scale-us-surrogacy > Updated: 2026-10-18T12:52:55.000Z. Sources: 71. Developments: 7. Recent reports have highlighted legal and ethical controversies surrounding large-scale surrogacy arrangements in the United States involving wealthy individuals. In one case, investigations into Duoyi Network founder Xu Bo suggest he may have fathered between 100 and 300 children through U.S.-based surrogacy. A surrogate involved in the process reported feeling ‘blindsided’ and ‘misled’ by the agency Patriot Conceptions, which allegedly failed to provide transparency regarding the scale of Xu’s family plans. Separately, the investigation in Arcadia involving Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang has escalated. Following the removal of 21 children from their residence, prosecutors have described the mansion as a ‘house of horrors’ where children were reportedly subjected to repeated violence by nannies, including being struck with sticks and shoes. The investigation was triggered by a medical emergency involving a two-month-old infant who suffered a brain bleed; authorities noted the injury was inconsistent with the parents' explanation of a fall. Prosecutors allege the couple operated an unlicensed surrogacy ring, specifically through Mark Surrogacy Investment LLC, misrepresenting their circumstances to surrogates. They further allege the couple operated a ‘learning center’ where children were kept isolated from the outside world, prevented from attending schools or parks, and forced to study in improvised classrooms. Surveillance footage reportedly captured ‘thousands’ of instances of abuse, including Xuan using a flashlight to inspect beds at night and striking children who remained awake. During court proceedings, Deputy District Attorney MacKenzie Teymouri revealed that Zhang had previously fled to China to avoid a 2019 investigation involving her oldest daughter. Additionally, the cremated remains of a surrogate child who died shortly after birth in Florida were found during a search of the home. Xuan and Zhang, who have both pleaded not guilty, face charges including conspiracy to commit child abuse and witness intimidation. ## Claims - Prosecutors are seeking bail of $100 million for each defendant. (disputed by 2 sources) - The couple was released on $500,000 bail each. (disputed) - A judge set bail for Xuan and Zhang at $20 million each. (disputed) - Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang are the parents of 21 children, many of whom were born through a surrogate company the couple owns. (corroborated by 18 sources) - Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang are accused of conspiracy to commit child abuse, complicity, and witness intimidation. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Surveillance footage showed nannies hitting children with sticks and shoes. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Xuan and Zhang were arrested on suspicion of felony child endangerment. (corroborated by 7 sources) - District Attorney Nathan Hochman described the Arcadia mansion as a ‘house of horrors’ due to the alleged abuse. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The couple allegedly misled surrogates by lying about their family size and marital status. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Attorney Mitchell Krems stated that Guojun Xuan's motivation for having many children was a desire to help them contribute to society. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The couple allegedly operated a surrogacy agency called Mark Surrogacy Investment LLC. (corroborated by 4 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-18: California couple arrested for alleged abuse of 21 children A California couple faces charges for allegedly isolating and abusing 21 children born via surrogacy in an Arcadia mansion. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-couple-arrested-for-alleged-abuse-of-21-children ### 2026-10-17: Arcadia surrogacy defendants face $20 million bail amid child abuse allegations Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang face $20 million bail after being accused of trapping and abusing over 20 surrogate children in an Arcadia mansion. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arcadia-surrogacy-defendants-face-20-million-bail-amid-child-abuse-allegations ### 2026-10-12: Arcadia couple facing child abuse conspiracy charges seek bail review An Arcadia couple, Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang, facing child abuse conspiracy charges in a surrogacy scandal will have a bail hearing this Friday after a recent delay. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arcadia-couple-facing-child-abuse-conspiracy-charges-seek-bail-review ### 2026-10-08: California couple charged with felony child abuse of 15 children A California couple, Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang, face felony child abuse charges involving 15 children in their Arcadia home, following an investigation into physical abuse and surrogacy practices. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-couple-charged-with-felony-child-abuse-of-15-children ### 2026-10-08: Arcadia child abuse suspects linked to illegal gambling investigation Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang pleaded not guilty to child abuse charges in Arcadia, CA. Prosecutors allege extensive abuse of children and link Xuan to an illegal gambling and drug operation in El Monte. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arcadia-child-abuse-suspects-linked-to-illegal-gambling-investigation ### 2026-10-05: Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang arrested in California child abuse case A California couple, Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang, face charges for allegedly abusing at least 14 children born via surrogacy at their Arcadia mansion, which authorities described as a ‘house of horrors’. 44 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guojun-xuans-attorney-defends-surrogacy-case-involving-21-children ### 2026-09-13: Xu Bo: Chinese billionaire allegedly fathered 100+ children via U.S. surrogates A California surrogate discovered she is carrying a baby for Chinese billionaire Xu Bo, who reportedly has fathered over 100 children through U.S. surrogacy agencies. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xu-bo-chinese-billionaire-linked-to-hundreds-of-us-surrogacy-births --- Cite as: Controversies in large-scale U.S. surrogacy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/controversies-in-large-scale-us-surrogacy