Chengxuan Han, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China, has been arrested and charged with smuggling goods into the United States and making false statements. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., in conjunction with Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson from the FBI Detroit Division, Acting Director of Field Operations John Nowak from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Jared Murphey, acting Special Agent in Charge at ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit field office.
According to the criminal complaint, Han is pursuing a Ph.D. at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan. In 2024 and 2025, she allegedly sent four packages containing concealed biological material to individuals associated with a laboratory at the University of Michigan. Upon her arrival at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on June 8, 2025, on a J1 visa, Han was inspected by Customs and Border Protection officers. During this inspection, she reportedly made false statements about these packages and their contents.
The complaint states that CBP officers discovered that Han’s electronic device had been wiped three days before her arrival in the U.S. Following this discovery, Han was interviewed by agents from the FBI and ICE HSI where she admitted to sending packages containing biological material related to roundworms and acknowledged making false statements during her inspection.
Attorney Gorgon commented on the situation: “The alleged smuggling of biological materials by this alien from a science and technology university in Wuhan, China—to be used at a University of Michigan laboratory—is part of an alarming pattern that threatens our security.”
Cheyvoryea Gibson stated: “The FBI has zero tolerance for those who violate federal law… The alleged smuggling… is a direct threat to public safety and national security.” He praised the efforts of various law enforcement agencies involved in investigating this case.
John Nowak emphasized that importing biological materials into the U.S. for research purposes must adhere to strict guidelines: “We will not tolerate the smuggling of regulated biological materials through our ports of entry.”
Jared Murphey highlighted ICE HSI’s commitment alongside other agencies to ensure national security: “This case should serve as a reminder that multiple law enforcement agencies are working around the clock.”
The investigation is ongoing as authorities determine whether to seek further charges against Han.
