Third Chinese National Arrested in Biological Materials Smuggling Case

News Summary

A third Chinese national, Chengxuan Han, was arrested at Detroit Metropolitan Airport for allegedly smuggling biological materials into the U.S. for research at the University of Michigan. Han sent packages from China containing concealed roundworm materials and is accused of making false statements to authorities. The arrests come amidst growing concerns about the smuggling of biological materials and its implications for national security. Investigations involve multiple federal agencies, and Han’s case highlights the need for stringent enforcement of regulations governing international research practices.

Detroit – A third Chinese national has been arrested for allegedly smuggling biological materials into the United States for purposes linked to research at the University of Michigan. Chengxuan Han, a doctoral student at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, was taken into custody at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport on June 8, 2025. Han faces charges of smuggling goods into the U.S. and making false statements to federal authorities.

Between 2024 and 2025, Han is accused of sending four packages from China that contained concealed biological materials related to roundworms, which require a government permit for importation. The packages were reportedly mislabeled and lacked proper documentation necessary for lawful entry into the country. One package was falsely listed as containing plastic plates, but instead included eight petri dishes filled with biological materials. Another package contained an envelope with a handwritten note concealed within the pages of a book.

Han arrived in the United States on a J1 visa, a type of non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to participate in work-and study-based exchange programs. During her inspection upon arrival, she allegedly provided misleading information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers regarding the packages and their contents. Reports indicate that Han deleted data from her electronic device three days prior to her arrival, later claiming she wanted to “start fresh.”

Throughout the investigation, Han reportedly offered conflicting statements regarding the number of packages she had shipped, initially estimating between five and ten, then claiming some had been lost in transit. Both her professors at the University of Michigan and at Huazhong University expressed unawareness of the unauthorized shipments, raising concerns about the lapses in research compliance procedures.

Han’s case is particularly significant given its timing; it occurs shortly after two other Chinese nationals were charged on June 3, 2025, for similar offenses involving the smuggling of a toxic fungus, also intended for research at the University of Michigan. This apparent pattern of biological material smuggling has drawn attention from various law enforcement agencies in the U.S.

U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. has voiced substantial concerns about the implications of such actions, highlighting a troubling trend regarding smuggling of biological materials and its potential threat to national security. The investigation into Han’s activities involves collaboration between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The Chinese Consulate General in Chicago has reacted to the charges, calling for the protection of the lawful rights of Chinese nationals and criticizing the U.S. law enforcement’s approaches to such cases. Han is scheduled to appear in federal court in Detroit for her bond hearing, as the implications of her case continue to unfold.

The environment surrounding international research collaborations remains sensitive, particularly concerning compliance with regulations governing biological materials. The recent arrests highlight the need for stringent enforcement of such laws to safeguard national and global biosafety standards.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• The Detroit News
• Detroit Free Press
• Click On Detroit
• NBC News
• Wikipedia: Biological Material
• Fox 2 Detroit
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Biological Material
• Google Scholar: Biological Materials Smuggling