MICHIGAN–November 6, 2025, 2:15pm, EDT
By A. Paul, Staff Reporter
Federal authorities have charged three Chinese nationals conducting research at the University of Michigan with conspiring to smuggle dangerous biological materials into the United States, including genetically modified roundworms. The case, announced by the Department of Justice on November 5, 2025, has raised serious concerns about national security and the integrity of academic research programs.
The accused—Xu Bai (28), Fengfan Zhang (27), and Zhiyong Zhang (30)—were working in the university’s Shawn Xu Laboratory under J-1 academic exchange visas. According to federal prosecutors, the trio received multiple shipments of concealed biological materials related to Caenorhabditis elegans, a roundworm commonly used in genetic research. These shipments were allegedly sent from China by Chengxuan Han, a former Ph.D. student at the same lab who had previously been convicted of smuggling and making false statements before being deported.
The criminal complaint outlines that Bai and Fengfan Zhang were charged with conspiracy to smuggle biological materials, while Zhiyong Zhang faces charges for making false statements to federal agents. The materials were reportedly shipped in petri dishes and concealed to evade detection. Federal agents intercepted the researchers at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on October 16, as they attempted to leave the country for China. During questioning, Zhiyong Zhang allegedly lied about Han’s involvement, while Bai and Fengfan Zhang admitted to receiving packages even after Han’s removal from the U.S..
Following Han’s arrest earlier this year, the University of Michigan launched an internal investigation into the lab’s operations. When the three researchers refused to cooperate, they were terminated, making them eligible for removal by the Department of Homeland Security. The university has since faced scrutiny over its handling of foreign research collaborations and its oversight of biological imports.
Federal officials emphasized the broader implications of the case. Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, “Attempting to smuggle biological materials under the guise of research is a serious crime that threatens America’s national and agricultural security.” FBI Director Kash Patel added that academic research “cannot excuse illegal activity,” and pledged continued vigilance against foreign exploitation of U.S. institutions.
This incident is part of a growing pattern of biosecurity concerns involving foreign nationals in U.S. research labs. Earlier this year, other Chinese researchers were charged with smuggling a dangerous crop fungus into Michigan. The Department of Education has also opened an inquiry into the University of Michigan’s foreign funding and research oversight practices.
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