Concerns Over Biolabs in California
Authorities recently unearthed alarming activities tied to Chinese operatives who were involved in extortion and espionage from unauthorized U.S. police departments. But that’s not even the most disturbing part. In Reedley, California, officials discovered a biolab housing dangerous pathogens, including Ebola.
It seems that China’s clandestine labs are not one-of-a-kind.
“These items closely resembled those identified in research related to the Reedley laboratory,” an official noted.
On January 31, SWAT officers from the Las Vegas Metro Police Department executed a search at a residence on the northern outskirts of Las Vegas. This home appeared to have links to the Chinese nationals associated with the Reedley site.
Local and federal agents were seen assembling outside a residence on Sugar Springs Drive, with drones surveying the area from above. A tactical robotic dog ventured inside while the multi-agency response team collected air samples before entering.
While three tenants were residing in the main structure, they were safely evacuated and aren’t under investigation. Authorities found a locked garage containing a refrigerator, a freezer, lab equipment, and numerous containers with unknown liquid substances.
The biological material, alongside other collected evidence, was initially taken to a facility in Southern Nevada for safe storage before being sent to an FBI lab for tests.
LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill stated, “The items found bear strong similarities to those detailed in the Reedley lab investigation.”
McMahill added that the property belonged to the same individuals linked to a prior criminal biological lab case in Reedley from earlier this year, specifically mentioning Jia Beizhu.
The House Select Committee on the Communist Party of China reported that the Reedley BioLab was run under the direction of Mr. Zhu, who has connections to companies affiliated with the Chinese military and communist organizations.
Reports indicate that Zhu is a fugitive from Canada, facing a hefty judgment for intellectual property theft, and he allegedly entered the U.S. using the false identity of “David He.” While here illegally, he reportedly set up various companies that amassed a large collection of dangerous pathogens, which were improperly stored in unlicensed labs.
The Reedley lab reportedly housed around 1,000 genetically modified mice designed to replicate human immune responses, alongside thousands of samples of hazardous diseases, including COVID-19 and tuberculosis. One lab worker remarked that these engineered mice were intended to “catch and carry the coronavirus.” Moreover, dead rats were disposed of improperly, lacking licensed medical waste handlers.
Investigations revealed that Reedley BioLabs received millions of dollars from Chinese Communist Party banks, raising further concerns.
Zhu was arrested by federal agents on October 19, facing charges related to distributing counterfeit coronavirus test kits and falsifying identity details. Additional charges, including conspiracy and wire fraud, are anticipated in 2024.
His partner, Zhao Yanwang, is also under scrutiny for facilitating alleged fraudulent activities through their biolabs in Reedley and Fresno. Both individuals are Chinese nationals.
McMahill confirmed Zhu’s ongoing detention, with the next hearing scheduled for February 23.
Additionally, LVMPD took Oli Solomon, a property manager, into custody for improper handling of hazardous waste. Solomon is currently at the Clark County Detention Center.
On Saturday, the FBI investigated another property in Las Vegas but reported no threats found there. They also revisited the Reedley site the following day.
“Such activities can’t persist,” said Republican Representative Kevin Kiley of California, highlighting the urgent need for federal measures to prevent illegal labs from operating within communities.
Kiley, alongside other state legislators, has urged attendance at a hearing focused on the Illegal Laboratory Prevention and Public Health Protection Act of 2025.
