2nd Chinese researcher arrested in US over alleged biological material smuggling

By Beril Canakci

ISTANBUL (AA) – US authorities have arrested a Chinese doctoral student accused of smuggling biological materials into the country without proper authorization, the second such case linked to the University of Michigan within a week, according to NBC News.

Chengxuan Han, a doctoral researcher at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China, was arrested on Sunday at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, NBC News reported on Tuesday, citing a criminal complaint filed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

According to the FBI complaint, Han allegedly shipped biological materials, including roundworms, from China to researchers at a University of Michigan laboratory in preparation for a year-long academic visit. US officials claim that the shipments were made without the necessary government permits and were concealed, including within the pages of a book.

When questioned by federal agents, Han allegedly made false statements about the contents and purpose of the shipments, the report says.

The complaint also alleges that Han deleted the contents of her electronic device three days before arriving in the US. "Han stated she deleted the content to 'start fresh' while she was in the United States," the FBI complaint document reads.

She is currently in custody and has a bond hearing scheduled for Wednesday.

This is the second case in recent days involving Chinese nationals and the unauthorized transfer of biological material related to research at the University of Michigan.

Last week, two people were charged after one was accused of trying to bring a toxic fungus into the US. One suspect was arrested in Michigan, while the other had previously been denied entry and remains abroad.