Kseniia Petrova’s Frog Embryos Smuggling Scheme Exposed

BOSTON – Kseniia Petrova, a 31-year-old Russian citizen, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for attempting to smuggle clawed frog embryos and embryonic samples into the United States.

Petrova was stopped by Customs & Border Protection agents at Logan International Airport in Boston on February 16, 2025, after a law enforcement canine allegedly alerted its handler to the defendant’s checked duffel bag on the baggage carousel.

According to the charging documents, an officer inspected the contents of the bag and allegedly discovered undeclared biological items, including a foam box containing clawed frog embryos in microcentrifuges, as well as embryonic samples in paraffin well stages and on mounted dyed slides.

Petrova initially denied carrying any biological material in her checked baggage, but later admitted to carrying the items. She allegedly claimed to be unsure that she was required to declare the embryos when entering the United States.

However, text messages on Petrova’s phone revealed that she was informed by her colleagues that she was required to declare the biological material. One text message from an individual identified as her principal investigator asked, “What is your plan to pass the American Customs with samples?” Petrova replied, “No plan yet. I won’t be able to swallow them.”

Petrova faces charges of concealment of a material fact, false statement, and smuggling goods into the United States. The charges provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jennifer De La O, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Boston Field Office, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nadine Pellegrini and David M. Holcomb are prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.