Three additional Chinese research scholars—Xu Bai, Fengfan Zhang, and Zhiyong Zhang—have been charged in a federal case tied to UM's Xu Lab for conspiring to smuggle biological materials from Wuhan and for making false statements.

The defendants reportedly booked flights to China in mid-October and were intercepted at JFK Airport as they attempted to depart after their visa statuses were revoked.

One of the earlier participants, Han, had previously been convicted of smuggling and false statements and was removed from the U.S. after serving his sentence.

Authorities say the Department of Education opened an inquiry earlier this year into UM’s handling of foreign funding and research collaborations, signaling security and compliance concerns.

The investigation involved the FBI, CBP, ICE, and Homeland Security Investigations, and UM terminated the involved researchers after they refused to participate in investigations.

Officials note DHS/ICE context and provide contact information for further inquiries.

Prosecutors describe the activity as a serious national and agricultural security threat and say they will pursue such cases vigorously.

FBI Director emphasizes that the charges show ongoing efforts to hold violators accountable and that academic research does not excuse illegal activity.

The Shawn Xu laboratory at UM remains active as of early November, with the university conducting an internal review and seeking a response from a spokesperson.

Xu Lab, led by UM Professor X.Z. Shawn Xu, is under internal review; Xu is cooperating with investigators and has not been charged, while the lab remains listed as active on UM’s site.

The case fits into broader federal efforts to protect U.S. research and agricultural assets from unauthorized foreign access, with BRAG evaluating access to sensitive biological materials.

BRAG assesses individuals and institutions seeking access to biological select agents to prevent bioterrorism or misuse of hazardous materials.

This report is part of ongoing local coverage, with republishing by NewsBreak, focusing on charges and the UM lab subject.

All four scholars were affiliated with the same UM Life Sciences Institute lab, while authorities pursue a broader inquiry into foreign funding and lab hiring practices.

The scholars were dismissed and may face deportation; prosecutors stress that illegal activity cannot be tolerated under the guise of academic research.

Investigation notes include a package containing eight petri dishes of genetically altered roundworms; scholars were terminated after refusing internal cooperation.

U.S. Attorney and FBI Detroit officials stress national security and ongoing vigilance against illicit transfers to U.S. institutions.

ICE underscores safeguarding foreign student programs and strengthening admissions processes to prevent exploitation that could threaten national security.

Officials describe vulnerabilities in higher education and foreign exchange programs, with statements from ICE, FBI, and CBP leaders on enforcing the law.

Acting ICE Director notes security risks in foreign exchange programs and the need for stronger admissions procedures to deter exploitation.

Han initially denied involvement but later admitted sending multiple packages; UM’s internal probe and a refusal to participate led to the researchers’ removal.

The case raises questions about whether Chinese nationals are part of a broader pattern targeting or disrupting the U.S. agricultural sector.

The charges were outlined in a Detroit federal complaint tied to ongoing UM lab investigations.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan leads the prosecution with help from federal biosecurity and customs agencies; UM states it is cooperating and that none of the charged individuals acted on behalf of the Chinese government.

UM conducted an internal lab probe after Han’s arrest, terminating Bai, Fengfan Zhang, and Zhiyong Zhang’s visas for refusing to participate, making them eligible for removal by DHS.

Prosecutors frame the incidents as part of a larger pattern of illicit activity by Chinese nationals exploiting academic pathways, highlighting risks to national security and research integrity.

Prosecutors have not disclosed additional details about the three newly charged scholars or the specific materials involved, reflecting ongoing investigations.

Bai acknowledged receiving packages from Han for roundworm research and said Han paid for additional worms.

Nematodes, or roundworms, are the focus of the alleged illicit shipments.

Attorney General emphasizes the offense as serious, threatening national and agricultural security in alleged attempts to smuggle biological materials under the guise of research.

The researchers worked in the Shawn Xu Lab, which conducts research on nematodes.

Han’s shipments reportedly involved improper manifesting or missing documentation, with multiple packages sent and some lost in transit.

Prosecutors allege deceptive practices, including mislabeling shipments and disguising documents to conceal biological materials, such as a package labeled as a document containing a nematode diagram book.

Prosecutors say shipments of roundworm materials occurred in 2024 and 2025, with Han as the former shipper; after the internal probe, the three new defendants were terminated for missing a mandatory meeting.

The charges come amid broader political discussions, including potential changes to Chinese student visa policies, with fears that the smuggling fungus could threaten Michigan’s crops.

Zhiyong Zhang allegedly sent a nematode package to Xu and another to a Hong Kong company, denied receiving packages, but phone records linked Han to him.

Bai and Fengfan were roommates on J-1 visas; Zhiyong Zhang entered on a J-1 visa as a scholar and was described as a friend who worked with Han.

University terminated the three scholars after they refused to cooperate with the internal inquiry, part of a broader pattern of illicit transfers involving Chinese nationals at UM.

Zhiyong Zhang is also accused of lying to federal investigators, including denying knowledge of a shipment and having Han’s contact saved in his visa records.

Zhiyong Zhang is charged with making false statements to authorities.