Story perspectives

Former Researcher Sentenced for Smuggling E. Coli DNA

4/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Youhuang Xiang, a former postdoctoral researcher at Indiana University, was sentenced on April 7 for smuggling E. coli DNA into the U.S. from China.
Prosecutors said he exploited his access to university labs and misled immigration officials about his membership in the Chinese Communist Party.
The DNA was disguised as women's underwear.
Xiang acknowledged he did not obtain the necessary shipping permit.
Xiang will be deported to China after his sentence.

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Story summary

Youhuang Xiang, a former postdoctoral researcher at Indiana University, was sentenced on April 7 for smuggling E. coli DNA into the U.S. from China.
Prosecutors said he exploited his access to university labs and misled immigration officials about his membership in the Chinese Communist Party.
The DNA was disguised as women's underwear.
Xiang acknowledged he did not obtain the necessary shipping permit.
Xiang will be deported to China after his sentence.