A Chinese scientist was arrested at Detroit airport for allegedly smuggling biological material, described as related to worms, to the University of Michigan. This is the second such case in days, following another arrest involving a toxic fungus. Authorities intercepted her shipments last year and earlier this year. The scientist, pursuing an advanced degree at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, was planning a project at the University of Michigan. She remains in custody awaiting a bond hearing.
US arrests another Chinese scientist for allegedly smuggling biological material
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A Chinese scientist was arrested at Detroit airport for allegedly smuggling biological material, described as related to worms, to the University of Michigan. This is the second such case in days, following another arrest involving a toxic fungus. Authorities intercepted her shipments last year and earlier this year. The scientist, pursuing an advanced degree at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, was planning a project at the University of Michigan. She remains in custody awaiting a bond hearing.
Trending- 1 Last year/Earlier this year: Shipments of biological material intercepted.
- 2 Last week: Two Chinese scientists charged with conspiring to smuggle toxic fungus.
- 3 Sunday (June 8, 2025): Chinese scientist interviewed and arrested at Detroit airport.
- 4 Monday (June 9, 2025): Authorities announce the arrest.
- 5 Wednesday (June 11, 2025): Scientist awaits bond hearing.
- Scientist arrested and remains in custody
- Potential threat to US security
- Undermines legitimate work of other visiting scholars
What: A Chinese scientist was arrested for allegedly smuggling biological material (related to worms) into the US, shipping it to the University of Michigan. This is the second such case in days.
When: Arrested on Sunday (June 8, 2025); shipments intercepted last year and earlier this year; bond hearing on Wednesday (June 11, 2025).
Where: Detroit airport, Michigan, US; University of Michigan, Michigan, US; Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Why: Alleged smuggling of biological material without a government permit, which authorities state 'threatens our security'.
How: The scientist allegedly shipped biological material, including in an envelope stuffed inside a book, to the University of Michigan. Her shipments were intercepted, and she was arrested upon arrival at Detroit airport.