June 16, 2025:
Another Chinese national has tried to smuggle biological materials into the U.S.
A Farm Journal report says the materials were related to roundworms and intended for studying at a University of Michigan laboratory. This is the third Chinese national charged by the U.S. federal government in a week.
A criminal complaint from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Eastern Michigan, says Chengxuan Han is charged with smuggling goods into the U.S. and making false statements.
“The alleged smuggling of biological materials by this Chinese national from a science and technology university in Wuhan, China, intended for use at a University of Michigan laboratory, is part of an alarming pattern that threatens our security,” said U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon, Jr. “The American taxpayer should not be underwriting a PRC-based smuggling operation at one of our crucial public institutions.”
During an interview with the FBI, Han admitted the packages contained biological materials.
June 5, 2025:
Two citizens of the People’s Republic of China were charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the U.S., making false statements, and visa fraud.
The FBI arrested the two Chinese citizens in connection with allegations related to their smuggling into America a fungus that scientific literature classifies as a potential agroterrorism weapon. This noxious fungus causes “head blight,” a disease of wheat, barley, maize, and rice, and is responsible for billions of dollars in economic losses worldwide every year. If the fungus is taken in by humans or livestock, it can cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects.
“The alleged actions of the Chinese nationals, including a loyal member of the Chinese Communist Party, are of the gravest national security concerns,” said U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon, Jr. “The two are charged with smuggling a fungus described as a potential agroterrorism weapon into the heartland of America.”
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