Chinese scientists who are accused of smuggling organisms to us

The Department of Justice (DoJ) announced Wednesday that three Chinese scientists have been charged with removing biological material for importation into the US while working in a university lab.

Scientists allegedly made false statements to customs and border protection (CBP) officials about the importation of materials related to roundworms from China under research at the University of Michigan, authorities said.

“Alleging that you are trying to smuggle organisms under the guise of ‘research’ is a serious crime that threatens the national security and agriculture of the United States,” said General Pam Bondi in a statement.

The agency identified the suspects as xu Bai, 28, Fengfan Zhang, 27, and Zhikong Zhang, 30, all of whom participated in J-1 Visa exchange programs for education.

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According to US attorney Jerome Gorgen, these charges stem from a wider pattern of abuse of US programs, especially involving international researchers.

“These three men are part of a long and terrifying pattern of criminal activities carried out by Chinese nationals under the cover of the University of Michigan,” said Gorgench and investigating (snow, snow),

These three academics, who conducted research at the University’s Shawn Xu Laboratory in Ann Anror, allegedly found many shipments of hidden materials related to roundworms from Chinese Ph.D. Student in Wuhan, China, Chengxoloan Han.

Han had been detained at the University and convicted of smuggling and making false statements before being deported from the US.

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After Han’s removal, the University began an internal investigation. When the three scholars refused to cooperate, they were recalcitrant, making them eligible for expulsion.

Before Oct. 16 flight to China at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, CBP stopped the men for inspection. Zhiyong Zhang is accused of giving false information about Han, while Xu Bai and Fengfan Zhang admit to receiving the packages even after Han’s removal.

“This case underscores the critical importance of protecting the American people and addressing the dangers of foreign student and visitor programs,” said ICE director Todd M. Lyyons in a statement. “Educational institutions must improve their consent procedures to prevent exploitation, which could pose a threat to national security.

“I commend the Ice HSI HSI agents and officers who work tirelessly to protect our nation and uphold the rule of law every day.”

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FBI director Kash Patel added that “academic research cannot justify illegal activity,” and CBP director Marty Marty C. raybon added to the exploitation of risks, including in the nation’s higher education system to advance their agendas. “

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Jennifer Ruyan, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Detroit field office, said the agencies are “committed to protecting the American people.”

“The FBI will not tolerate any attempt to exploit our nation’s institutions, whether of higher learning or otherwise, for illegal purposes,” he added.

HSI, the FBI and CBP did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.