Feds Arrest More Chinese Nationals in Growing Smuggling Threat

Federal authorities have once again exposed a disturbing reality: America’s universities are being used as front doors for foreign infiltration. This week, three Chinese nationals conducting research at the University of Michigan were arrested and charged for their alleged role in a conspiracy to smuggle biological materials into the United States.

Xu Bai (28), Fengfan Zhang (27), and Zhiyong Zhang (30) are the latest names in what the Department of Justice calls a “long string of cases” involving Chinese operatives exploiting America’s research institutions. All three were affiliated with the Xianzhong Xu (Shawn Xu) Laboratory, a sensory biology research facility on campus.

According to the DOJ, Bai and Fengfan Zhang received illicit shipments of biological material including genetically significant roundworms from Chengxuan Han, a Chinese national recently deported after pleading no contest to smuggling charges.

“Attempting to smuggle biological materials under the guise of ‘research’ is a serious crime that threatens America’s national and agricultural security,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “We will remain vigilant to threats like these from foreign nationals who would take advantage of America’s generosity to advance a malicious agenda.”

This isn’t isolated. This is a pattern.

Just last June, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrest of another Chinese scholar at the same university for attempting to smuggle a biological pathogen capable of agricultural terrorism into the U.S.

Let that sink in: foreign agents using taxpayer-funded institutions to import potentially weaponized biological material and universities either don’t see it coming or worse, don’t want to admit it’s happening.

When confronted about the investigation, the three suspects refused to attend a mandatory meeting with school officials and later attempted to flee the country, first from Detroit and then through New York City. Thanks to coordinated efforts from ICE, HSI, the FBI, and Customs and Border Protection, they were caught before escaping justice.

“At some point, pattern becomes practice,” said U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon, Jr. “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.”

It’s no longer a question of “if” foreign nationals are abusing America’s student visa programs and academic openness. The question is how much longer our institutions will allow it to continue.

Some facts to consider:

• Over 300,000 Chinese nationals are currently enrolled in U.S. universities, many in STEM fields with national security implications.

• A 2023 Senate report found that more than 150 U.S. universities accepted funding or partnerships with entities tied to the Chinese Communist Party.

• Despite repeated warnings, few institutions have enforced stronger vetting procedures for foreign researchers.

Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons was clear, “Educational institutions must enhance their admissions procedures to prevent exploitation, which can pose risks to national security.”

This isn’t xenophobia it’s common sense. If American universities won’t clean up their act, then it falls on federal authorities to do it for them.

The Trump administration made real progress in exposing the CCP’s influence across U.S. campuses. And now, it’s clear those efforts need to be revived and expanded. Universities cannot be safe havens for foreign operatives under the illusion of academic freedom.

The arrests in Michigan are a warning, not just about what’s happening but what’s being allowed to happen.

Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates like this.