DETROIT — Authorities announced on Monday the arrest of a Chinese scientist at the Detroit airport upon her arrival in the United States. This incident marks the second recent case linked to attempts at unlawfully transporting biological material.
The arrested scientist faces accusations of having shipped biological substances to colleagues at the University of Michigan some months ago. As detailed in an FBI court submission, this material pertains to specific types of worms and necessitates a federal permit for importation.
“Import guidelines for biological materials entering the U.S. for research are strict but explicit, and breaches such as these compromise the valid efforts of visiting scholars,” stated John Nowak, who heads operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Upon her arrival from China—where she is working towards an advanced degree at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan—the scientist was interrogated and subsequently detained. She intended to extend her research at the University of Michigan over the forthcoming year.
Authorities previously intercepted and inspected her shipments, which included a package concealed inside a book, during the past year and earlier in this year, according to the FBI.
While the FBI’s filing does not confirm if the transported material posed a direct threat, U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. commented that smuggling activities “compromise our security.”
The scientist is currently being held in custody, with a bond hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
Michael Shapira, a biologist from the University of California, Berkeley, reviewed the court documents and commented, “It doesn’t appear dangerous, but there are specific regulations for the transportation of biological materials.”
Last week, the government charged two additional Chinese scientists accused of attempting to smuggle a hazardous fungus into the country. One of these scientists was denied entry and returned to China last year. The other, a researcher at the University of Michigan, was arrested and continues to be held.