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Chinese scientist arrested in US over smuggling of 'biomaterial', third case in days
A Chinese scientist was arrested at Detroit airport over the suspected smuggling of biological material, marking the third such case in recent days. Authorities say she had earlier sent samples – linked to worms and requiring a permit – to a University of Michigan lab. read more
The toxic plant pathogens that a Chinese scientist allegedly tried to smuggle into the US last year. AP
A Chinese scientist was arrested at Detroit airport while entering the US, marking the third recent case involving suspected smuggling of biological material, officials said on Monday.
Authorities say the scientist had previously sent biological material – linked to certain worms and requiring a government permit – to staff at a University of Michigan lab, according to an FBI court filing.
'The guidelines for importing biological materials into the US for research purposes are stringent, but clear, and actions like this undermine the legitimate work of other visiting scholars,' said John Nowak, who is head of field operations at US Customs and Border Protection.
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A Chinese scientist was arrested on Sunday after landing in the US from China, where she is studying at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan. She planned to work for a year on a project at the University of Michigan.
According to the FBI, her shipments – including one hidden in a book – were intercepted last year and earlier this year. The materials involved certain worms and require government permission to send.
The court filing doesn't say whether the material was dangerous, but US attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. said such smuggling poses a security risk. The scientist is currently in custody and awaiting a bond hearing on Wednesday.
Michael Shapira, a biologist at the University of California, Berkeley, told the Associated Press that the case doesn't appear to involve dangerous material, but added that there are strict rules for shipping biological samples.
This arrest follows charges last week against two other Chinese scientists accused of trying to smuggle a toxic fungus into the US. One was sent back to China from Detroit airport last year, while the other, a researcher at the University of Michigan, was arrested and remains in custody.
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