Arrest of University of Michigan Scholar in Smuggling Case

The Department of Justice (DOJ) reported on Monday that a scholar affiliated with the University of Michigan (UM) was arrested for allegedly smuggling biological materials into the United States from China.

Chengxuan Han, a Chinese national connected to UM, is accused of sending multiple packages containing biological materials to the university’s laboratory. He allegedly misled federal officials about the nature of these shipments. Interestingly, Han is the second Chinese national linked to UM facing federal charges for smuggling within two weeks.

“The alleged smuggling of biological materials by this individual from the University of Science and Technology in Wuhan represents a concerning trend that could jeopardize our safety,” a DOJ spokesperson stated. It’s suggested that taxpayers shouldn’t be burdened by smuggling operations occurring at public institutions.

Han, who holds a PhD, was invited to UM as a visiting scholar based on his work at Huazhong University in Wuhan. Reports indicate that between 2024 and 2025, he mailed at least four packages with such materials to the U.S.

Cheyvoryea Gibson, a special agent in charge of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office, commented on the situation, saying, “The FBI has a zero-tolerance policy towards those who break federal law. Chengxuan Han’s actions pose a serious threat to public safety and national security, compromising the integrity of research institutions in our country.”

According to the DOJ’s statement, during a Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) inspection at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on June 8, Han allegedly made false statements regarding the contents of the packages. Authorities also discovered that his electronics had been wiped clean shortly before, which raises some eyebrows.

In a follow-up FBI interview, Han acknowledged sending the package and confirmed it contained materials related to roundworms, admitting he had misled CBP.

John Nowak, president of Field Operations, remarked, “The guidelines for importing biological materials into the U.S. for research are strict. Engaging in activities contrary to these regulations undermines legitimate academic work.” He reaffirmed that there would be no tolerance for smuggling regulated biological materials across borders.

Just days before this incident, on June 3, two other Chinese nationals, Yunkin Jiang and Zunyoung Liu, faced charges for allegedly conspiring to smuggle fungi that could potentially be used as biological weapons into the U.S. for research at the same UM lab where Jiang was employed.

Former Ambassador Joseph Chera expressed concern, stating, “This latest arrest reflects that UM is lagging in effectively monitoring national security threats from Chinese nationals on campus, whether they are students or staff. Prompt adjustments are necessary to enhance safety protocols and protect the institution.”

As of now, UM has not provided any comments regarding the situation.