Three Chinese researchers at the University of Michigan have been charged with smuggling biological materials into the U. S. The U. S. Department of Justice announced these charges following an investigation linked to past incidents of smuggling involving other scholars.
• The Charges: Bai Xu (28), Zhang Fengfan (27), and Zhang Zhiyong (30) were charged in a criminal complaint filed on November 4, 2023. Bai and Zhang Fengfan face conspiracy charges, while Zhang Zhiyong is charged with making false statements to federal agents.
• Initial Arrest: The three researchers were arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport on October 16, 2023, while attempting to leave for China.
• Connection to Previous Case: The case involves Han Chengxuan, who was arrested in June 2023 upon arriving in the U. S. She shipped petri dishes with nematode worms (C. elegans) to the University of Michigan and lied on shipping documents. Han pleaded no contest to multiple charges and was later removed from the U. S.
• Details of Smuggling Activities: Investigators found that packages associated with Han included genetic materials misrepresented on shipping documents. One package, addressed to Bai, was intercepted in March and contained plasmids linked to C. elegans. Another shipment addressed to Zhang Fengfan included genetically modified nematodes but was falsely labeled.
• Refusal to Cooperate: After the investigation began, Bai, Zhang Fengfan, and Zhang Zhiyong were uncooperative and were eventually terminated from their positions at the university. Their records were updated to reflect their non-compliance with J-1 visa regulations.
• Concerns of National Security: U. S. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the seriousness of the alleged smuggling, which threatens national and agricultural security. Lawmakers have called for universities to take stronger measures against potential threats from foreign scholars.
• Previous Incidents: There have been similar smuggling cases linked to the University of Michigan in the past, notably involving another researcher trying to smuggle dangerous fungal pathogens.
• Call for Action: Rep. John Moolenaar urged university leadership to review protocols to safeguard research from international threats, particularly referring to concerns about the Chinese Communist Party's influence and operational tactics.
The charges against these researchers highlight ongoing concerns about national security in relation to foreign scholars conducting research in the U. S. The arrest and the investigation into their activities signify an alert to potential risks posed by international collaborations in scientific research.
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