Authorities are looking into a biological lab with potential links to China that was found in a home in Las Vegas.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department reported that SWAT officers executed a search warrant on Saturday due to intel about the operation of a biolab in the residence.
During a press conference on Monday, LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill stated that over 1,000 items of “potentially biologically hazardous” materials were located mainly in a secured garage.
Officials indicated that there was no risk to the public.
Oli Solomon, the property manager of the home, was arrested on Saturday and charged with illegal disposal of hazardous waste.
McMahill mentioned that extensive precautions were taken during the operation. This included deploying robots for cleaning and air sampling, as well as hazardous materials teams to safely collect items.
In the garage, investigators found several refrigerators containing vials and unknown liquids, a centrifuge, and other lab equipment.
Authorities stated, “Some of that evidence included biological materials and fluids that were carefully collected and sent to an FBI lab for analysis.”
Investigators identified the owner of the property as Jia Bei Zhu, already in federal custody following the discovery of an unlicensed biolab in Reedley, California, last year.
In that prior case, Zhu faced federal charges for manufacturing and distributing counterfeit medical devices, including COVID-19 and pregnancy tests, without proper authorization, as well as making false statements to the FDA. His trial is set for April.
Zhu’s attorney, Anthony Capozzi, claimed that his client has no involvement in the Las Vegas lab situation. He expressed uncertainty about what was actually happening at the Las Vegas property.
Zhu’s previous lab in Reedley came to light after authorities noticed a garden hose protruding from a warehouse owned by his company, Universal Meditech. Upon investigation, officials discovered extensive lab equipment and medical-grade freezers.
Reports indicated that Zhu, 62, is a Chinese national and a fugitive wanted in Canada, as mentioned by the House of Commons Select Committee on the People’s Republic of China.
The committee alleged Zhu had connections with the Chinese government and was part of a multinational criminal operation that stole significant intellectual property from U.S. businesses.
In the Reedley case, around 1,000 genetically modified mice intended for COVID-19 study were also found, raising additional concerns.
The FBI is currently involved in the ongoing investigation in Las Vegas.
Officials did not provide further details on the materials collected or indicate if more arrests might follow.
