Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan | Department of Justice
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 said, "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 commented, "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 to smuggle biological materials; Z. Zhang is charged with making false statements to federal agents. All three were J-1 visa holders conducting research in the laboratory led by Xianzhong Xu at the University of Michigan.
According to court documents, Bai and F. Zhang received multiple shipments containing concealed biological materials related to round worms sent from China by Chengxuan Han, who was pursuing doctoral studies at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan before coming to work at UM in June 2025. Han pleaded no contest earlier this year to smuggling charges and was removed from the U.S.
Following Han's removal, the University of Michigan began an internal investigation into Xianzhong Xu's laboratory. The three defendants did not participate in required meetings or cooperate with investigators, leading to their termination from UM—a move that made them eligible for removal by Homeland Security authorities.
Federal agents attempted unsuccessfully on October 10, 2025, to locate the defendants after they purchased airline tickets back to China via Detroit Metropolitan Airport scheduled for October 20. That same day they rebooked flights for October 15 but ultimately traveled instead through New York's JFK International Airport on October 16 without canceling their Detroit flights. During inspection at JFK, Z. Zhang gave false information about Han while Bai and F. Zhang admitted receiving packages from Han even after her arrest.
Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons said, "This case underscores the vital importance of safeguarding the American people and addressing vulnerabilities within foreign student and exchange visitor programs," adding that educational institutions must improve admissions procedures.
FBI Director Kash Patel noted: "These charges show the FBI and our partners will aggressively investigate and hold accountable those who violate our laws, and that academic research cannot excuse illegal activity." He added that FBI efforts will continue against illegal smuggling activities.
Matthew Stentz, acting Special Agent in Charge for ICE HSI Detroit stated: "ICE HSI remains steadfast in its mission to protect the homeland from malicious foreign actors... Our agents...are dedicated to preventing our communities and educational institutions from being exploited against the American people."
Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge for FBI Detroit Field Office said: "The actions taken by the FBI and law enforcement partners reflect our firm commitment to protecting the American people...We will continue to work with our partners at ICE HSI and CBP..."
CBP Director Marty C. Raybon emphasized collaboration among agencies: "This case exemplifies the critical role of collaboration among our federal partners in defending our national security interests...I commend...our officers...in identifying and neutralizing these threats..."
The investigation involved ICE HSI, FBI, CBP with assistance from ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Detroit.
A criminal complaint is only a formal charge; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
