U.S. authorities arrested Chengxuan Han, a Chinese researcher, at Detroit’s airport for allegedly smuggling biological material into the country. The FBI’s criminal complaint claims Han sent four shipments from China containing concealed biological materials, intended for her research project at the University of Michigan. Hidden within the shipments were materials related to roundworms that require government permits. During questioning upon her arrival from Shanghai, Han reportedly made false statements regarding the shipments. She was also noted to have deleted data from her electronic device days before arriving in the U.S., claiming she wanted to “start fresh.”
This case follows the arrest of two other Chinese nationals last week, one of whom attempted to smuggle toxic fungi into the U.S. for research at the same university. While one suspect is in custody, the other remains at large. The biological materials involved in these incidents raise national security concerns as they may potentially harm crops or the environment, according to experts.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not comment immediately on the arrests, but a Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson stated that the government expects its citizens to abide by local laws while also protecting their rights. The University of Michigan is cooperating with federal law enforcement and condemned any actions threatening its mission or national security.
Experts emphasize that while research materials can be transported internationally, it must follow appropriate regulations. Proper controls are essential to ensure that potentially harmful biological materials do not inadvertently spread, posing risks to agriculture and public safety. Han is currently in custody and awaits a bond hearing.
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