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Former Cancer Researcher Charged with Data Theft Attempt

8/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Yunhai Li, a former MD Anderson Cancer Center researcher, faces charges for allegedly attempting to steal cancer research data.
He was apprehended at Bush Airport with 90 GB of unpublished research intended for China.
Li worked at MD Anderson since 2022 on a U.S. State Department research visa and had connections to Chinese institutions.
He claims he believed he had the right to keep the data.
Li was released on a $5,100 bond and is under GPS monitoring during the investigation.

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Story summary

Yunhai Li, a former MD Anderson Cancer Center researcher, faces charges for allegedly attempting to steal cancer research data.
He was apprehended at Bush Airport with 90 GB of unpublished research intended for China.
Li worked at MD Anderson since 2022 on a U.S. State Department research visa and had connections to Chinese institutions.
He claims he believed he had the right to keep the data.
Li was released on a $5,100 bond and is under GPS monitoring during the investigation.