Two Chinese researchers charged in separate biological smuggling investigations consented to federal detention during consecutive court appearances, as their attorneys work to build the cases.
During the first hearing, Chengxuan Han confirmed her agreement to remain in custody when questioned by the federal judge.
Han, arrested last weekend at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, faces charges related to allegedly smuggling biological materials and making false statements about packages sent to staff members at the University of Michigan lab.
“Is it true you are consenting to detention at this time?” the judge asked.
“Yes,” Han responded.
Not long after, 33-year-old Yunqing Jian appeared with her legal team in the same courtroom.
Through her attorneys, Jian also agreed to detention while facing charges that she and her boyfriend allegedly smuggled a dangerous fungal pathogen through the airport last summer for research at the university.
Attorneys in both cases declined to comment after the hearings.
Legal experts weigh in
Former U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider sees these cases as part of broader enforcement efforts.
“It’s pretty apparent that this is happening more and more, and it’s also apparent that the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Justice Department are stepping up enforcement,” he said.
Former Wayne County Circuit Judge Vonda Evans also supports the strict approach to these cases.
“Thank God for them because had they not been vigilant like they were, this could have gotten through,” Evans said.
University response
The University of Michigan’s research leadership responded to the two cases in a lengthy message to staff.
“Recently, several individuals have been accused of trying to transport materials across international borders in violation of federal laws and U-M policies, and of making false statements to law enforcement. The university takes these situations extremely seriously. That is why the university is:
Part of the University of Michigan's message to staff
Next steps in legal process
Both researchers face preliminary hearings later this month where prosecutors must demonstrate probable cause.
While attorneys for both defendants declined to comment on the reasons for consenting to detention, such decisions sometimes relate to ongoing negotiations or the preparation of bail proposals.
The cases highlight increasing scrutiny of international research protocols at major universities. Han’s investigation centers on materials allegedly related to roundworm research, while Jian’s case involves Fusarium graminearum, a fungus prosecutors identified as potentially dangerous.