AG Paxton investigating drone company's ties to Chinese Communist Party

Attorney General Ken Paxton is launching an investigation into a drone company over alleged ties to China.

Paxton is looking into Drone Nerds over the company’s connection to Anzu Robotics, which Paxton said is a known affiliate of the Chinese Communist Party in a May 5 news release. Anzu Robotics has sold drones in the United States "while misrepresenting its security and privacy measures and concealing its ties to the CCP," the news release states.

"These products raise serious concerns, including unauthorized data collection, surveillance capabilities, and potential access by the Chinese government," Paxton said in the news release.

Paxton initially sued Anzu Robotics in February 2026. The lawsuit claims that the drones take detailed photographs and videos of Texas homes and infrastructure.

"To Texas consumers, the drone appears to be a safe, American alternative to Chinese drones with known security vulnerabilities. But unknown to the consumer, Anzu Robotics’ products are nothing more than a wolf in sheep’s clothing," the lawsuit states.

As part of the investigation, Paxton has issued a Civil Investigative Demand (which requests information) to Drone Nerds to determine the extent of the company’s role in "misleading Texas consumers in violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act."

“Under my watch, the Chinese Communist Party will have no influence in Texas,” Paxton said. “I will thoroughly investigate any potential threat to the privacy and security of Texans and hold any company that enables CCP surveillance accountable.” 

Drone Nerds specializes in the supply of high-end drones for a variety of commercial, private and recreational needs, according to its website. The company's mission statement reads, “To be the most reliable retailer and wholesaler brand of drones, serving national and international clients alike, catering to their specific drone technology needs."

Natassia Paloma may be reached at [email protected], @NatassiaPaloma on x; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook.