Third Chinese scientist arrested after smuggling ‘biological pathogens' into US from Wuhan after ‘agroterrorism' probe
A THIRD Chinese scientist has been charged for allegedly smuggling "biological material" into the United States.
It is the second such case within a matter of days after a
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A Chinese scientist has been charged with smuggling biological materials into the United States
Credit: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
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Han was arrested on Sunday at Detroit Metropolitan airport
Credit: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
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She initially denied sending the parcels at all, court documents claim
Credit: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
In the latest case, Han Chengxuan was arrested at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Sunday.
Cops claim she sent four packages from China to the States that contained "biological material related to round worms".
These packages were sent to people linked to the University of Michigan lab between September 2024 and March 2025.
Han has been charged with smuggling goods into the United States.
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She initially denied sending the parcels at all, court documents claim.
Han would then insist they contained plastic cups rather the petri dishes before ultimately admitting to sending the samples, the documents add.
They had reportedly been collected during her PhD research in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X: "Han is alleged to have sent four packages to the U.S. from China containing a biological material related to round worms — addressed to individuals associated with a lab at the University of Michigan.
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"Upon arriving at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport on June 8, Han allegedly made false statements to federal officials regarding the packages she had previously mailed — and had erased her electronic device just days prior.
"In a follow up interview with FBI and ICE HSI agents, Han admitted to sending the packages and lying about their contents.
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"This case is part of a broader effort from the FBI and our federal partners to heavily crack down on similar pathogeon smuggling operations, as the CCP works relentlessly to undermine America's research institutions."
It comes after two other Chinese scientists were charged last week for allegedly trying to smuggle a toxic fungus into the States.
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Researchers Jian Yunqing, 33, and Liu Zunyong, 34 are facing charges of smuggling goods, conspiracy, visa fraud and providing false statements.
They are alleged to have tried to bring Fusarium graminearum into the country - which can cause severe damage to livestock and crops.
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Jian denied that she was aware of her boyfriend's intent to smuggle the pathogen
Credit: University of Michigan
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Samples of a pathogen identified by the US Department of Justice as Fusarium graminearum
Credit: Reuters
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Authorities claim the fungus could be used as a "potential agroterrorism weapon".
Prosecutors say Liu attempted to smuggle it through Detroit Airport so it could be studied at a University of Michigan laboratory.
Jian, who is Liu's girlfriend, worked at the lab according to prosecutors.
The university did not have the necessary federal permits to handle this pathogen.
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A statement from the university says the institution has not had "funding from the Chinese government in relation to research conducted by the accused individuals".
Officials further allege that Jian is a Chinese Communist Party member, and that her research on the fungus in China got Chinese government funding.
Liu allegedly lied about trying to bring the pathogen into the country in July 2024 before later admitting it.
While Jian has been arrested in the US, Liu was sent back to China at the airport - so his arrest is unlikely unless he returns.
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Following Jian's arrest, FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X: "This case is a sobering reminder that the CCP is working around the clock to deploy operatives and researchers to infiltrate American institutions and
target
our food supply, which would have grave consequences... putting American lives and our economy at serious risk."
Who are Jian Yunqing and Liu Zunyong?
Jian Yunqing and Liu Zunyong are alleged to have smuggled a toxic fungus into the United States.
Prosecutors claim Liu had attempted to bring the pathogen into the country through Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
Officials claim the intention was to smuggle the fungus in to be studied at a University of Michigan lab - where Liu's girlfriend Jian worked.
It is further alleged that Jian received Chinese government funding for her research on the fungus in China.
She has since been arrested, but Liu's detention is unlikely unless he returns to the States as there is no extradition agreement between the US and China.
According to the FBI, Fusarium graminearum is a "potential agroterrorism weapon" that can cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects in humans and livestock.
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