Three researchers from China, affiliated with a University of Michigan lab, have been charged with conspiring to smuggle biological materials into the U.S. This case highlights ongoing federal investigations regarding national security and research partnerships involving Chinese nationals.
On Wednesday, federal prosecutors announced charges against Xu Bai, 28, Fengfan Zhang, 27, and Zhiyong Zhang, 30, for their involvement in an alleged scheme to illegally bring concealed biological materials into the country. These individuals were working under a J-1 visa and were supervised by Professor Xianzhong “Shawn” Xu. Bai and Fengfan Zhang are facing conspiracy charges, while Zhiyong Zhang is accused of making false statements to federal authorities.
The U.S. Department of Justice has indicated that Bai and Fengfan Zhang received several international shipments from Chenxuan Han, a Chinese doctor linked to Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan. These shipments reportedly included biological materials related to roundworms, which were not declared to U.S. Customs. This investigation ensued following Han’s own legal issues. She had previously pleaded no contest to multiple counts of smuggling and making false statements, ultimately leading to her conviction and deportation. Notably, Han reportedly deleted data from her devices just prior to her entry into the U.S.
After their arrest, the University of Michigan revoked the admissions of the three defendants. This decision came after the trio did not participate in required meetings or cooperate with the university’s internal investigation. Before leaving the U.S., they attempted to change their international flight itineraries, ultimately trying to leave from John F. Kennedy International Airport on October 16, 2025. Authorities claim that Zhiyong Zhang provided false information about Han during an inspection, while Xu Bai and Fengfan Zhang acknowledged receiving packages from her even after her arrest and deportation.
This incident raises alarms about similar cases involving Chinese individuals and sensitive biological research within U.S. facilities. In June, U.S. authorities charged Yunqing Jiang and Zunyong Liu for attempting to smuggle Fusarium graminearum, described in scientific literature as a potential agricultural bioweapon, for research purposes at the University of Michigan. Prosecutors allege Jiang received funding from the Chinese government and had connections to the Chinese Communist Party.
In July, the U.S. Department of Education announced an investigation into foreign funding at the University of Michigan. They pointed out inaccuracies and gaps in disclosed funding sources, suggesting that some of these foreign funders were misidentified as non-governmental entities even though they had direct ties to foreign governments, including China.
The department also highlighted UM’s past connection with China, noting the termination of a 20-year partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University in January 2025, spurred by national security concerns. The department plans to investigate the actual extent of foreign funding and influence at UM and assess compliance with federal disclosure laws.
