A Chinese researcher, Han, who was en route to a research position at the University of Michigan, pleaded no contest to charges related to smuggling biological materials and making false statements about her shipments.

Han's case involved biological shipments including petri dishes with nematode worms and hidden plasmids, which she initially lied about but later admitted to sending.

She was detained in June at Detroit Metropolitan Airport after authorities discovered the biological materials and her false statements, leading to charges of smuggling and making false statements.

Despite the serious charges, a federal judge acknowledged the importance of law enforcement in preventing threats but found Han's actions did not pose a danger to public safety, resulting in her release before completing three more months in detention.

Han expressed remorse, stating her career would be destroyed if she returned to China, and insisted her actions were not intended to threaten security.

Her case highlights ongoing debates about the treatment of international scientists and the impact of strict regulations on academic collaboration, especially amid heightened U.S. scrutiny of Chinese nationals.

This case is part of broader U.S. efforts to scrutinize Chinese students and researchers, with investigations into Chinese nationals linked to military and research activities, and the University of Michigan being a major destination for Chinese students.

Multiple agencies, including the FBI, ICE, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, were involved in the investigation.

The University of Michigan emphasized its cooperation with law enforcement and maintained its integrity during the investigation.

Han has been in custody since June, lost her research opportunity at U-M, and plans to return to China to complete her doctoral degree at Huazhong University of Science and Technology.

Her case is part of a pattern involving other criminal cases of Chinese nationals at UM, including attempts to smuggle biological pathogens and cases related to election interference and military activities.

U.S. authorities highlighted this case as part of ongoing efforts to prevent illegal biological imports and safeguard national security, with the case prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Han's attorneys expressed satisfaction with the outcome after the hearing, and she is expected to be deported on September 11, 2025.

She faces three smuggling charges and a false statement charge, with her sentencing scheduled for September 10.