Ohio Man Sentenced for Lying on Grant Applications, Defrauding US Research Funding Agencies
WASHINGTON — In a shocking case of scientific fraud, Song Guo Zheng, a 58-year-old Ohio man and rheumatology professor, has been sentenced to 37 months in prison for making false statements to federal authorities as part of an immunology research fraud scheme.
Zheng, of Hilliard, Ohio, pleaded guilty last November and admitted to lying on applications in order to use approximately $4.1 million in grants from the National Institute of Health (NIH) to develop China’s expertise in the areas of rheumatology and immunology.
“American research funding is provided by the American taxpayer for the benefit of American society — not as an illicit gift to the Chinese government,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers for the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
The scheme was part of China’s Thousand Talents program, which aims to recruit top talent from around the world to develop China’s expertise in key areas, including science and technology.
“We will continue to hold accountable those who choose to lie about their foreign government affiliations in an attempt to fraudulently gain access to these funds,” Demers added.
Zheng was arrested on May 22, 2020, after arriving in Anchorage, Alaska, aboard a charter flight and preparing to board another charter flight to flee to China.
He was carrying three large bags, one small suitcase, and a briefcase containing two laptops, three cell phones, several USB drives, several silver bars, expired Chinese passports for his family, deeds for property in China, and other items.
Zheng was ordered to pay more than $3.4 million in restitution to the National Institute of Health (NIH) and approximately $413,000 to The Ohio State University.
Zheng’s sentencing is a significant blow to China’s Thousand Talents program, which has been accused of stealing intellectual property and sensitive research from around the world.
“This sentence should serve as a deterrent and underscores the FBI’s commitment to work with our partners to investigate individual’s whose actions throw a cloud over the cutting-edge work being done at US universities,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Hoffman for the FBI’s Cincinnati Field Office.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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