U.S. authorities arrested Chinese researcher Chengxuan Han on charges of smuggling biological material into the country. Han, a doctoral student from Huazhong University in Wuhan, was apprehended at Detroit’s airport after allegedly sending four shipments of concealed biological materials to University of Michigan lab staff. These shipments contained roundworm-related substances that required government permits, hidden cleverly between book pages. Han reportedly misled federal agents during questioning and deleted her electronic device’s content shortly before her arrival in the U.S., claiming she wanted to “start fresh.”
This incident follows a recent case involving two other Chinese nationals charged with attempting to smuggle a toxic fungus into the U.S. for research purposes at the same university. One was arrested and remains in custody, while the other was denied entry last year. The University of Michigan is cooperating with federal investigations and condemned actions that threaten national security.
Experts highlighted the potential risks of illegally transferring biological materials. Victor Galea, a plant pathology professor, noted that while roundworms and fungi can be transported, such actions must go through proper channels to ensure safety and compliance with biosecurity regulations. The University of Michigan’s statement emphasized its commitment to safeguarding public trust and national security.
The Chinese Embassy did not immediately comment on the situation. The spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry reiterated the importance of adhering to local laws while safeguarding citizens’ rights abroad. Han is currently in custody, awaiting a bond hearing. Overall, these incidents raise significant concerns about biosecurity and regulatory compliance in biological research.
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