Three research scholars from China 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 linked to international research activities at the University of Michigan.
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 for conspiracy related to smuggling biological materials; Z. Zhang is charged with making false statements to federal agents. All three were research scholars on J-1 visas working in Professor Xianzhong Xu’s laboratory at UM.
Court documents state that in 2024 and 2025, Bai and F. Zhang received multiple shipments containing concealed biological materials related to round worms sent from China by Chengxuan Han—a Ph.D. student at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan—who traveled to work at UM in June 2025. Han recently pleaded no contest on several counts related to smuggling and was removed from the U.S.
Following Han’s removal, UM launched an internal investigation into Professor Xu’s laboratory; all three defendants declined participation or attendance at required meetings and were subsequently terminated from their positions—making them eligible for removal by immigration authorities.
According to investigators, after their termination, the defendants bought airline tickets departing Detroit Metropolitan Airport for China but changed their plans multiple times before ultimately traveling via New York’s JFK International Airport on October 16, 2025. During inspection by border officials at JFK, Z. Zhang provided false information about Han while Bai and F. Zhang admitted receiving packages from Han even after her arrest or removal.
Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons stated: “This case underscores the vital importance of safeguarding the American people and addressing vulnerabilities within foreign student and exchange visitor programs… Educational institutions must enhance their admissions procedures to prevent exploitation… I commend the ICE HSI agents and officers who work tirelessly to protect our nation…”
FBI Director Kash Patel said: “These charges show the FBI and our partners will aggressively investigate and hold accountable those who violate our laws… The Chinese nationals charged today allegedly were involved in smuggling biological materials into the U.S…. The FBI and our partners are committed to defending the homeland…”
Matthew Stentz from ICE HSI Detroit noted: “ICE HSI remains steadfast in its mission… These cases impact both the safety of Michigan communities and our national security…”
Jennifer Runyan from FBI Detroit Field Office emphasized: “The actions taken by the FBI… reflect our firm commitment… The FBI will not tolerate any attempt to exploit our nation’s institutions…”
CBP Director Marty C. Raybon remarked: “This case exemplifies the critical role of collaboration among our federal partners in defending our national security interests… Foreign actors continue to seek ways to exploit vulnerabilities… I commend… efforts… in identifying… these threats…”
The investigation was conducted jointly by ICE HSI, FBI, CBP with support from ICE Enforcement & Removal Operations Detroit.
Authorities reminded that criminal complaints represent formal charges only; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
