Chengxuan Han, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China, was sentenced to time served after pleading guilty to three counts of smuggling and making false statements to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., in conjunction with officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Court documents show that Han is pursuing a Ph.D. at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China. In 2024 and 2025, she sent multiple packages containing concealed biological materials from China to individuals linked to a laboratory at the University of Michigan. When Han arrived at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on June 8, 2025, on a J1 visa, CBP officers inspected her and found she had made false statements regarding the shipments. Authorities also discovered that data on her electronic device had been deleted shortly before her arrival.
During further questioning by FBI and HSI agents, Han admitted to sending the packages, which contained biological material related to round worms, and acknowledged lying during the inspection.
United States Attorney Gorgon stated, “It is a privilege to study at one of our elite institutions. Aliens should not be abusing our hospitality by smuggling unknown biomaterials into America and then lying about it. The folks who keep us safe must know what aliens like the defendant are bringing into our country. And these convictions are a small but important step in that direction.”
Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office said: “Today’s sentencing reinforces the FBI’s unwavering commitment to protecting Americans from individuals who attempt to illegally import biological materials into our country,” adding thanks for cooperation among agencies involved in investigating the case.
Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon noted that although Han’s criminal penalties could have been more severe, she will be removed from the United States and barred from reentry as a result of her actions: “This case serves as another example of the interagency effort put forth each day to protect our homeland from a growing number of threats from beyond our borders.”
Matthew Stentz, Acting Special Agent in Charge for ICE HSI Detroit stated: “Smuggling biological materials into the United States poses a serious threat, and HSI remains committed to work with our partners to investigate and disrupt such activities,” emphasizing federal collaboration for community protection.
The investigation was conducted by FBI, CBP, and ICE HSI.
