This Tuesday, three individuals from China, employed at a University of Michigan lab, were indicted by federal authorities over alleged attempts to smuggle biological materials into the U.S. for China.
These allegations are part of ongoing concerns regarding potential bioterrorism threats that are arising from educational institutions in Ann Arbor.
Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed that, “The alleged smuggling of biological materials disguised as ‘research’ poses a significant risk to the national and agricultural security of the U.S.” She emphasized the need for vigilance against such threats from foreign actors.
Jerome Gorgon, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, highlighted that this incident is indicative of an unsettling trend of crimes involving Chinese nationals under the guise of academic research at the University of Michigan.
He noted, “At some point, what starts as a pattern becomes habitual,” referring to the smuggling allegations as a collective security threat.
The indicted individuals, Xu Bai (28) and Fengfan Zhang (27), face charges related to conspiracy for attempting to smuggle biological materials into the country. Additionally, Zhiyong Zhang (30) is charged with providing false information to federal officials regarding the alleged scheme.
All three, who held J-1 visas, were engaged in research within the lab of Xianzhong Xu at the University of Michigan.
From 2024 to 2025, Bai and Fengfan Zhang reportedly received several packages from China that contained hidden biological materials associated with roundworms.
The materials were linked to “genetic modification” sent by Chenxuan Han, a doctoral student from Wuhan who subsequently came to the U.S. to work at the same lab. Han was indicted previously for smuggling and other charges, later pleading no contest and being expelled from the U.S. in September.
Interestingly, in the same timeframe as Han’s situation, a separate Chinese couple was charged with attempting to smuggle a hazardous fungus that poses risks to both crops and livestock.
Prosecutors indicated that Liu and Jian planned to utilize the University of Michigan lab to pursue their objectives.
After Han’s arrest, the university initiated an internal investigation into the lab, during which the three defendants reportedly declined mandatory meetings and were subsequently terminated.
Once fired, Bai, Fengfan Zhang, and Zhiyong Zhang made travel arrangements to return to China from both Detroit and New York airports. They didn’t appear for their flight from Detroit or cancel it, choosing instead to travel to New York City for questioning by federal law enforcement.
The prosecutor’s office mentioned that Zhiyong Zhang provided misleading information about Han and that both Bai and Fengfan Zhang indicated that Customs and Border Protection continued to receive packages from Han even after his arrest and deportation.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that these charges demonstrate federal commitment to thoroughly investigate and hold individuals accountable for any violations, asserting that academic research does not shield illegal actions.
He concluded that the three Chinese nationals face serious allegations involving the repeated smuggling of biological materials into the U.S., stating that both the FBI and its partners remain dedicated to safeguarding the nation and addressing illegal smuggling activities.
This ongoing investigation involved collaboration between the FBI, CBP, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations.
