Wuhan Researcher Accused of Smuggling Biological Material Pleads No Contest

Contact Your Elected Officials

The researcher allegedly tried to conceal the content of her shipments, describing one of them as a ‘picture game,’ court documents show.

A Chinese researcher accused of smuggling biological materials into a U.S. university lab has pleaded no contest to four charges.

Han Chengxuan, a doctoral candidate from the Chinese city of Wuhan who sent multiple packages containing concealed biological materials, pleaded to three smuggling charges and to lying to U.S. customs officials, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan announced.

Han is studying at the College of Life Science and Technology in the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan and has co-authored two articles relating to the use of roundworms, known scientifically as C. elegans. She told federal agents that she arrived at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport on a J1 visa in June, intending to start a one-year research project at a University of Michigan lab.

Han estimates that she has sent between five and 10 packages, with several lost on the way, according to the federal complaint.  

U.S. customs intercepted four such shipments between September 2024 and March 2025, addressed to individuals associated with a University of Michigan laboratory with content varying from plasmids—DNA fragments often used to induce genetic modification of organisms—and petri dishes for growing earthworms, the court filing said.

She is the third Chinese researcher facing charges over smuggling materials for biological research. The other two, the Justice Department alleged, attempted to smuggle in a crop-killing fungus for research use at the University of Michigan.

Prosecutors alleged that Han made repeated efforts to mask her actions both while shipping the goods and while speaking with the interrogators.

During an interview with customs agents upon arrival, she initially denied knowledge about sending anything to one recipient until officers brought up specific packages, the complaint stated.

A transcript of the conversation showed that Han described the petri dishes as a water solution containing sodium oxide and sugar, stating: “These ingredients exist in fruit jelly.”

By Eva Fu

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Shut it Down – Shut it Down

Shut down and dismantle every federal agency not essential to citizens' life, health, or liberty — phase them out and end their power. permanently!

Conservatism’s Diverse Meanings

Conservatives in America often seem united, but major differences exist, creating the false impression that "conservative" means the same to everyone..

Illegal Alien Iowa School Superintendent Exposed

There is an interesting story developing in Iowa, the...

Was Scandinavia’s Russian Drone Scare A False Flag To Crack Down On Russia’s Shadow Fleet?

Insight strongly suggests that Scandinavia’s Russian drone scare was indeed a false flag to justify cracking down on Russia’s “shadow fleet”,

77% of U.S. Counties Record ‘Notable Declines’ in Child Vaxx Rates

Vast majority of counties across the US are experiencing declining rates of childhood vaccination and have been for years, says NBC News investigation.

Impact of Government Shutdown on Social Security: What to Know

SSA made it clear that retirement, survivor, and disability benefits are not subject to annual budget fights and will continue to be paid on time.

No Change to Immigration, Border Policy During Government Shutdown: ICE

ICE officials said that border and immigration enforcement will not be affected by the government shutdown that began on Oct. 1.

Musk Urges Netflix Boycott Over ‘Transgender Woke Agenda’ in Kids’ Shows

Elon Musk is urging parents to boycott Netflix, accusing the streaming giant of pushing a “transgender woke agenda” on children.

Walmart Says It Is Removing Dyes From Food Brands

Walmart is going to eliminate synthetic dyes and some other artificial additives from products it sells under its own brands, including Great Value.

White House Withdraws EJ Antoni’s Nomination to Lead Bureau of Labor Statistics

The White House has withdrawn economist EJ Antoni’s nomination to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the White House confirmed on Sept. 30.

US to Impose 100 Percent Tariffs on Foreign-Made Movies, Trump Says

President Donald Trump announced on Sept. 29 that he will impose a 100 percent tariff on all movies produced outside the United States.

Trump to Host Netanyahu at White House to Discuss Gaza Peace Plan

President Trump will host Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House on Sept. 29 to discuss a ceasefire and broader peace plan for Gaza.

Trump Announces New Tariffs on Heavy Trucks, Drugs, Kitchen Cabinets, Other Products

President Trump will impose new tariffs next month on heavy trucks, branded drugs, kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and related products.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central