UM Lab Trio Charged in Bio-Smuggling Ring

DETROIT, Mich – Three research scholars from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), all affiliated with the University of Michigan (UM), are facing federal charges for allegedly conspiring to smuggle dangerous biological materials into the United States. The case, announced today by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., adds another layer to a growing pattern of criminal activity linked to international research activities at the Ann Arbor institution.

Xu Bai, 28, Fengfan Zhang, 27, and Zhiyong Zhang, 30, are accused of receiving concealed shipments of biological materials – specifically related to round worms – from Chengxuan Han, a PRC citizen pursuing a Ph.D. at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan. Han previously pleaded no contest to three counts of smuggling and one count of false statements, received sentencing, and was subsequently removed from the U.S. The investigation exposed a deliberate effort to bypass U.S. regulations regarding the import of potentially hazardous biological substances.

“Allegedly attempting to smuggle biological materials under the guise of ‘research’ is a serious crime that threatens America’s national and agricultural security,” stated Attorney General Pamela Bondi. The U.S. Attorney’s office alleges the materials were smuggled between 2024 and 2025. The charges against Bai and F. Zhang center around the conspiracy to smuggle, while Z. Zhang is accused of making false statements to federal agents during questioning. All three men were research scholars holding J-1 visas, working within the laboratory of Xianzhong Xu, known as the Shawn Xu laboratory at UM.

The unraveling of this alleged scheme began after Han’s arrest and removal. When UM initiated an internal investigation into the Shawn Xu laboratory, all three defendants refused to cooperate, leading to their termination and eligibility for removal from the United States. But rather than face questioning, the trio attempted a hasty escape. They initially booked flights departing Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) on October 20, 2025, then scrambled to rebook for October 15th, and ultimately reserved flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York for an early morning departure on October 16th.

Federal agents were unable to locate the defendants at their residences when they first attempted contact. The defendants ultimately failed to appear for their DTW flight. During a subsequent inspection at JFK, Zhiyong Zhang allegedly made false statements regarding his knowledge of Han’s activities. Both Xu Bai and Fengfan Zhang admitted to receiving packages from Han, even after her arrest and removal from the U.S. “At some point, pattern becomes practice,” declared United States Attorney Gorgon. “These three men are part of a long and alarming pattern of criminal activities committed by Chinese Nationals under the cover of the University of Michigan.”

“This case underscores the vital importance of safeguarding America,” a DOJ spokesperson stated. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem added, “Thanks to our brave DHS law enforcement and the FBI, they no longer pose a national security threat. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are ensuring foreign criminals cannot abuse our visa programs to harm the American people.” The investigation remains ongoing, and federal authorities are signaling a continued focus on identifying and prosecuting individuals attempting to exploit U.S. research institutions for illicit purposes.

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