Chengxuan Han, a Chinese national, 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 several law enforcement officials.
Han, who is pursuing a Ph.D. at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China, allegedly sent four packages containing concealed biological materials to individuals associated with a laboratory at the University of Michigan in 2024 and 2025. Upon her arrival at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on June 8, 2025, Han reportedly made false statements about these packages during an inspection by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.
The investigation revealed that Han had deleted content from her electronic device three days before entering the U.S. During an interview with agents from the FBI and ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Han admitted to sending the packages containing biological material related to roundworms and acknowledged making false statements.
United States 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, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, emphasized the seriousness of the allegations: “The alleged smuggling of biological materials by Chengxuan Han is a direct threat to public safety and national security.”
John Nowak, CBP Acting Director of Field Operations, stated: “We will not tolerate the smuggling of regulated biological materials through our ports of entry.”
Jared Murphey from ICE HSI Detroit added: “This case should serve as a reminder that multiple law enforcement agencies are working around the clock to provide for our shared national security from malicious foreign actors.”
The investigation is ongoing as authorities determine whether to seek a felony indictment against Han.
