Latest news with #HanChengxuan
South China Morning Post
13-06-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Chinese scholars accused of smuggling biological material into US agree to stay in jail
Two University of Michigan scholars from China accused of smuggling biological material into the US agreed on Friday to be jailed without bond while their criminal cases are pending in federal court. Advertisement The decision by Han Chengxuan and Jian Yunqing came amid concerns that the Chinese nationals would flee the US if released on bond while facing criminal charges. That concern has increased in the two weeks since prosecutors charged another Chinese national studying at UM, 19-year-old Haoxiang Gao, with fleeing the US in January to avoid prosecution despite surrendering his Chinese passport and obtaining a second travel document. Gao is accused of voting illegally in the 2024 election. Han, Jian and Gao are among four Chinese nationals with ties to UM charged with federal crimes in the last two weeks. The criminal cases were filed amid plans by the Trump administration to revoke Chinese student visas nationwide, and the arrests have raised concerns about whether Chinese nationals are part of a campaign by the Chinese government to terrorise the US agricultural industry and meddle in elections. Advertisement A handcuffed Han, 28, wearing an orange Sanilac County Jail uniform, her ankles restrained by chains, said nothing beyond answering basic questions routed through a Mandarin translator.
The Star
11-06-2025
- Science
- The Star
US arrests another Chinese scientist with no permit to send biological material
Another Chinese researcher has been arrested upon entering the United States, amid an escalating federal probe into the alleged smuggling of biological materials – marking the second such case in less than a week. Han Chengxuan, a PhD candidate at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) in Wuhan, was accused of shipping four undeclared packages containing biological materials from China to a University of Michigan lab—and lying to federal agents about it. Her arrest on Sunday followed charges filed last Tuesday against Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, also Chinese nationals affiliated with the University of Michigan, who allegedly attempted to smuggle a crop pathogen capable of causing widespread agricultural damage in the US. Han, a student at HUST's College of Life Science and Technology, was stopped by Customs and Border Protection officers on Sunday after landing at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on a J1 visa, according to a Department of Justice statement. She allegedly made false statements to the officers before ultimately admitting to the FBI that she sent the packages, which contained 'biological material related to round worms.' Investigators also found that her phone data had been wiped three days before her arrival, according to the statement. Roundworms are slender, tube-shaped parasites. Ranging from microscopic to several inches long, they can cause serious infections in the intestines or tissues of humans and animals, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. 'The alleged smuggling of biological materials by this alien from a science and technology university in Wuhan, China – to be used at a University of Michigan laboratory – is part of an alarming pattern that threatens our security,' interim US Attorney Jerome Gorgon said in a statement. Denis Simon, a non-resident fellow at Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, a Washington-based think tank, said Han's motives could have been anything from 'academic misjudgment' that was benign from a national security standpoint to possibly more suspicious conduct. For instance, Chinese scholars may fear that importing samples openly could lead to extra scrutiny, visa delays, or project cancellation, especially amid heightened US-China tensions. 'It is not uncommon for early-career scientists from abroad to underestimate US compliance and biosafety protocols, particularly if oversight in their home country is lax or ambiguous,' said Simon, who is also a visiting professor at Duke University's Asian Pacific Studies Institute. Han's case highlights the complex intersection of science, national security, and geopolitics, he said. 'This case may ultimately serve as a test case for how the US handles gray-zone academic violations in a period of heightened scrutiny of Chinese scholars,' he said. 'It also raises urgent questions about the future of international scientific mobility, research compliance training, and institutional due diligence at US universities,' he added. Han's arrest came a day after China's consulate in Chicago said in an official statement that it was seeking information about last week's case against Jian and Liu and had lodged a 'stern representation' with the US side. The two Chinese nationals were accused of attempting to smuggle the fungus pathogen Fusarium graminearum into the country last year. The diplomatic mission condemned the earlier case as 'political manipulation' by the US and its 'overstretched concept of national security'. - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
Scottish Sun
10-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Third Chinese scientist arrested after smuggling ‘biological pathogens' into US from Wuhan after ‘agroterrorism' probe
Han Chengxuan was arrested at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Sunday WUHAN SHOCK Third Chinese scientist arrested after smuggling 'biological pathogens' into US from Wuhan after 'agroterrorism' probe Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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 University of Michigan researcher and her boyfriend were charged for allegedly bringing a toxic fungus into the country. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 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 5 Han was arrested on Sunday at Detroit Metropolitan airport Credit: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan 5 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. 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. "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. China floods sea bases with nuke bombers, terrifying satellite pics show - as US warns Xi could SEIZE Taiwanese islands "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. 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. 5 Jian denied that she was aware of her boyfriend's intent to smuggle the pathogen Credit: University of Michigan 5 Samples of a pathogen identified by the US Department of Justice as Fusarium graminearum Credit: Reuters 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. 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. 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."
The Irish Sun
10-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
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 Advertisement 5 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 5 Han was arrested on Sunday at Detroit Metropolitan airport Credit: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan 5 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. Advertisement read more in world news 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. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun "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. China floods sea bases with nuke bombers, terrifying satellite pics show - as US warns Xi could SEIZE Taiwanese islands "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. Advertisement 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. 5 Jian denied that she was aware of her boyfriend's intent to smuggle the pathogen Credit: University of Michigan 5 Samples of a pathogen identified by the US Department of Justice as Fusarium graminearum Credit: Reuters Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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.
The Sun
10-06-2025
- The Sun
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 University of Michigan researcher and her boyfriend were charged for allegedly bringing a toxic fungus into the country. 5 5 5 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. 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. "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. China floods sea bases with nuke bombers, terrifying satellite pics show - as US warns Xi could SEIZE Taiwanese islands "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. 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. 5 5 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. 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. 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.
