Arcadia:A married couple from Southern California has been arrested on suspicion of mistreating and severely abusing 21 children, most of whom were born through surrogacy.

According to Anadolu Agency, Silvia Zhang and Guojun Xuan were taken into custody after a search warrant was executed at their home in Arcadia, roughly 32 kilometers northeast of Los Angeles. The couple faces allegations of running a household where live-in nannies allegedly committed violent assaults on at least 15 children, including 14 born via surrogates.

Prosecutors claim the couple deceived several surrogate mothers before subjecting the children to violent punishments. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that the alleged mistreatment occurred at the couple's estate. All 21 children have been placed in protective custody by child welfare agencies.

In court, both Zhang and Xuan pleaded not guilty to the charges. They are accused of conspiracy to commit child abuse and witness intimidation. Additionally, Xuan faces charges including a felony count of child abuse, accessory after the fact, and multiple counts of dissuading a witness. Zhang faces charges of accessory after the fact and dissuading a witness.

The judge set bail at $20 million for each defendant, with conditions of home detention and protective orders preventing them from contacting the children. A bail review hearing is planned for Monday.