U.S. authorities have arrested Chengxuan Han, a Chinese researcher, at Detroit airport for allegedly smuggling biological materials into the country. The FBI’s criminal complaint reveals that Han, a doctoral student from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, had been sending shipments from China since September, intended for research at the University of Michigan. The materials, which included roundworms hidden within book pages, require a government permit for importation.
Han reportedly made false statements regarding these shipments when questioned by federal agents upon her arrival from Shanghai. This incident follows another recent case involving two Chinese nationals charged with attempting to smuggle a toxic fungus into the U.S. for similar research at the same university. One was arrested and remains in custody, while the other was denied entry last year and is still at large.
Experts, such as biologist Michael Shapira from UC Berkeley, assert that while the materials may not seem dangerous, there are strict regulations governing biological shipments. The FBI claims Han deleted the content from her electronic device days before arriving in the U.S., stating she wanted to “start fresh.”
As Han awaits a bond hearing on Wednesday, the Chinese Embassy has yet to comment, while the University of Michigan expressed its commitment to cooperating with federal authorities and condemned any actions that might threaten national security. This case underscores ongoing concerns regarding compliance with regulations around biological materials and international research collaborations.
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