Three research scholars from China—Xu Bai, Fengfan Zhang, and Zhiyong Zhang—have been charged with attempting to smuggle biological materials into the United States while conducting research at the University of Michigan. U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. stated, "At some point, pattern becomes practice. And, apparently, these three men are part of a long and alarming pattern of criminal activities committed by Chinese Nationals under the cover of the University of Michigan," according to the Office of Public Affairs.
Bai and F. Zhang face conspiracy charges, while Z. Zhang is charged with making false statements to federal agents, all tied to concealed shipments of roundworm materials from China. Addressing the national security implications, Gorgon said, "This is a threat to our collective security," as the scholars were apprehended after attempting to leave the country following UM’s internal investigation, as reported by the Office of Public Affairs.
"Educational institutions must enhance their admissions procedures to prevent exploitation, which can pose risks to national security, as demonstrated in this instance," said acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons. ICE HSI, FBI, and CBP worked together on the case, with ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz stating, "ICE HSI remains steadfast in its mission to protect the homeland from malicious foreign actors." In the U.S., defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty, and a criminal complaint is a formal charge, not proof of guilt, as stated by the Office of Public Affairs.
