Harvard Scientist Faces New Charges for Smuggling Frog Embryos
Scientists from Harvard University, accused of smuggling frog embryos into the U.S., were hit with additional federal charges on Wednesday. This could lead to decades of imprisonment for allegedly failing to disclose important biological materials.
Kseniia Petrova, a 30-year-old Russian-born scientist focused on cancer research at Harvard, was charged with one count of concealing significant information, one count of contraband, and another for making a false statement. She was initially charged with smuggling last month but remains free before her trial, even following the new allegations.
The researchers, including Petrova, were arrested in February at Boston Logan International Airport after returning from vacation in France. She reportedly told a customs officer that she picked up a package of frog embryos during her trip, intending to use them for her research.
Following her arrest, her visa was canceled, and she was detained by immigration officials in Vermont. Lawyers representing both Harvard and Petrova have not yet commented on the situation.
In an April interview, Petrova stated she was unaware of her obligation to declare the biological material and claimed it wasn’t her intention to sneak it into the U.S. Nonetheless, federal prosecutors pointed out that messages from her phone showed she had been warned to declare any biological samples before traveling.
One of her friends had texted her about the importance of having permission for any samples, highlighting a conversation that occurred prior to her departure regarding frog embryos and customs procedures.
Petrova’s legal challenges grew after her arrest in Vermont led her to file for release from detention. She was temporarily moved to an immigration facility in Louisiana. A judge later ruled that the actions by immigration officials were improper, and Petrova was initially indicted for smuggling.
If found guilty, she faces substantial legal penalties, including possible fines amounting to $250,000 and substantial prison time—up to 20 years for smuggling and additional sentences for other violations.
