zhōng guó中国yán jiū rén yuán研究人员yīn因zǒu sī走私shēng wù cái liào生物材料bèi被měi guó美国zhǐ kòng指控
A researcher named Han Chengxuan from Wuhan, China, has been charged by the US for smuggling biological materials into the country and making false statements during inspection.
She brought these materials to the US to conduct research in a laboratory at the University of Michigan.
Between 2024 and 2025, Han Chengxuan sent multiple packages from China to the US containing biological materials related to roundworms.
In June 2025, she arrived in the US with a visa and did not truthfully declare the contents of the packages during customs inspection at the airport.
Later, she admitted to sending these biological materials and not telling the truth during the inspection.
After her arrest, Han Chengxuan chose to plead 'no contest' to the charges, meaning she does not admit guilt but agrees the prosecution has evidence.
Smuggling biological materials into the US can result in up to 20 years in prison, and making false statements can lead to up to 5 years in prison.
The court will decide her punishment on September 10.
US officials stated that smuggling biological materials is not only illegal but may also affect US security.