Chinese PhD Student Pleads No Contest to Smuggling Biological Materials into U.S.

Chengxuan Han, a Chinese doctoral student from the Huazhong University of Science and Technology, pleaded no contest to three counts of smuggling biological materials and one count of making false statements to U.S. Customs officials. Han was arrested after arriving at Detroit Metropolitan Airport carrying multiple packages containing roundworms and other biomaterials intended for research at the University of Michigan, which lacked proper permits. Federal authorities noted Han attempted to conceal her actions by deleting content from her electronic device prior to travel, and emphasized that such smuggling undermines legitimate scholarly work. The materials intercepted were not deemed dangerous, but the case highlights ongoing biosecurity concerns. Han faces up to 20 years in prison for smuggling and 5 years for false statements, with sentencing scheduled for September 10, 2025. U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon criticized the case as a breach of trust, while Customs officials reaffirmed the stringent import guidelines for biological materials.