Story perspectives

University Scholars Charged in Smuggling Biological Materials Case

11/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Xu Bai, Fengfan Zhang, and Zhiyong Zhang, at University of Michigan, were charged with conspiring to smuggle biological materials into the United States.
They allegedly received concealed roundworm materials from Chengxuan Han, a former Ph.D. student previously convicted of smuggling.
After Han's removal from the United States, the scholars were terminated for noncooperation.
They attempted to leave the country but were stopped by Customs and Border Protection.

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Story summary

Xu Bai, Fengfan Zhang, and Zhiyong Zhang, at University of Michigan, were charged with conspiring to smuggle biological materials into the United States.
They allegedly received concealed roundworm materials from Chengxuan Han, a former Ph.D. student previously convicted of smuggling.
After Han's removal from the United States, the scholars were terminated for noncooperation.
They attempted to leave the country but were stopped by Customs and Border Protection.