Second University of Michigan Scholar Arrested for Smuggling Pathogens
The FBI has apprehended a second scholar from the University of Michigan, originally from China, in connection with the illegal importation of biological materials into the United States.
According to a report from The Detroit News:
Federal authorities have taken into custody Chengxuan Han, marking her as the latest individual charged in a series of federal crimes linked to Chinese nationals associated with the Ann Arbor institution. Han faces serious allegations of smuggling biological materials and providing false information to federal agents regarding packages sent to a University of Michigan laboratory between September and March.
“The reported smuggling of biological materials by an individual from a renowned science and technology university in Wuhan, China, intended for a laboratory at the University of Michigan, reveals a troubling trend that jeopardizes our national security,” stated Jerome Gorgon, the interim U.S. Attorney. “American taxpayers should not bear the financial burden of a smuggling operation linked to the People’s Republic of China within our vital public institutions.”
Following her initial court appearance on Monday, Han will remain in custody until at least Wednesday for a detention hearing. Should she be found guilty of the charges against her, Han could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
#NEW: The FBI has detained a second @UMich scholar from China for the smuggling of biological materials into the U.S.
This incident marks the third case in less than two weeks involving a Chinese national linked to the university facing federal charges: https://t.co/w7DcLsrIAj pic.twitter.com/FYhuqwguWb
— The Detroit News (@detroitnews) June 9, 2025
