3 more Chinese researchers at University of Michigan charged over alleged effort to smuggle biological materials: ‘Alarming pattern’

Three Chinese researchers at the University of Michigan have been federally charged for allegedly conspiring to smuggle biological materials into the United States. This marks an escalation in a series of cases involving Chinese nationals at the university, which authorities are calling an "alarming pattern." The charges stem from alleged efforts to import biological materials related to roundworms from China between 2024 and 2025. The individuals charged are Xu Bai, 28, and Fengfan Zhang, 27, who face conspiracy to smuggle biological materials charges. Zhiyong Zhang, 30, is accused of making false statements to federal agents regarding the scheme. All three were J-1 visa holders and worked in the Xianzhong Xu (Shawn Xu) laboratory at the University of Michigan. The alleged smuggling operation involved multiple shipments from China to Bai and Fengfan Zhang, containing concealed biological materials. These shipments were reportedly sent by a Ph.D. student in Wuhan who had previously worked in the same University of Michigan lab. This individual, Han, was previously charged, pleaded no contest, and was removed from the U.S. in September. Another couple, Zunyong Liu and Yunqing Jian, were also previously charged for allegedly attempting to smuggle a dangerous fungus into the U.S. with the intent to use the University of Michigan lab for their own scheme. Following Han's arrest and removal, the University of Michigan initiated an internal investigation into the Shawn Xu laboratory. The three defendants allegedly refused to participate in this investigation and were subsequently terminated from their positions. After their termination, Bai, Fengfan Zhang, and Zhiyong Zhang attempted to leave the U.S., but were detained and interviewed by federal law enforcement agents at John F. Kennedy International Airport. During interviews, Zhiyong Zhang allegedly made false statements about Han, while Bai and Fengfan Zhang claimed to have receiv... download the app to read more