Great Lakes Wire

Three research scholars from China who worked at the University of Michigan have been charged with conspiracy to smuggle biological materials into the United States and making false statements to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. The charges are part of a series of cases connected to international research activities at the university.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, “Allegedly attempting to smuggle biological materials under the guise of ‘research’ is a serious crime that threatens America’s national and agricultural security. We will remain vigilant to threats like these from foreign nationals who would take advantage of America’s generosity to advance a malicious agenda.”

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem commented, “Three Chinese nationals are charged with smuggling dangerous biological materials into the country and made false statements to law enforcement. 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."

United States Attorney Gorgon added, “At some point, pattern becomes practice. And, apparently, 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 is a threat to our collective security. We are thankful for the vigilance of our elite federal partners—ICE HSI, FBI, and CBP—as a counterweight against this threat.”

The individuals charged are Xu Bai (28), Fengfan Zhang (27), and Zhiyong Zhang (30). Bai and F. Zhang face charges related to conspiracy to smuggle biological materials; Z. Zhang is accused of making false statements to federal agents. All three were research scholars on J-1 visas working in Professor Xianzhong Xu’s laboratory at UM.

According to authorities, in 2024 and 2025 Bai and F. Zhang received multiple shipments containing concealed biological materials associated with round worms sent from China by Chengxuan Han—a Ph.D. student at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan—who traveled in June 2025 to work at UM’s laboratory. Han previously pleaded no contest to several counts including smuggling and was removed from the U.S.

After Han's removal, the University of Michigan began an internal investigation into Professor Xu's lab. The three defendants did not participate in required meetings or cooperate with investigators; as a result, they were terminated from their positions, which made them eligible for removal by Homeland Security.

Authorities detailed that after purchasing airline tickets for flights departing Detroit Metropolitan Airport on October 20, 2025—and after unsuccessful attempts by federal agents on October 10th to locate them—the defendants rebooked earlier flights for October 15th but instead traveled to New York for a flight departing John F. Kennedy International Airport early on October 16th back to China. During inspection at JFK airport by CBP officers, Z. Zhang allegedly made false statements about Han while Bai and F. Zhang admitted receiving packages from Han even after her arrest or removal.

Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons said: "This case underscores the vital importance of safeguarding the American people and addressing vulnerabilities within foreign student and exchange visitor programs," adding that educational institutions must improve admissions procedures so they are not exploited for national security risks.

FBI Director Kash Patel noted: "These charges show the FBI and our partners will aggressively investigate and hold accountable those who violate our laws, and that academic research cannot excuse illegal activity." He continued: "The Chinese nationals charged today allegedly were involved in smuggling biological materials into the U.S. on several occasions."

Matthew Stentz, acting Special Agent in Charge at ICE HSI Detroit said: "ICE HSI remains steadfast in its mission to protect the homeland from malicious foreign actors... Our agents...are dedicated to preventing our communities and educational institutions from being exploited against the American people."

Jennifer Runyan from FBI Detroit emphasized collaboration among agencies: "The actions taken by the FBI and law enforcement partners reflect our firm commitment... The FBI will not tolerate any attempt to exploit our nation’s institutions...for unlawful purposes."

CBP Director Marty C. Raybon highlighted ongoing risks: "Foreign actors continue to seek ways to exploit vulnerabilities...including within our nation's higher education system..."

The investigation was led by ICE HSI with assistance from Enforcement & Removal Operations Detroit along with support from FBI and CBP.

A criminal complaint is only a formal charge; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.