University of Michigan under federal probe after arrests of Chinese researchers accused of smuggling biological materials

ANN ARBOR, MI - July 16, 2025 The University of Michigan is facing a U.S. Department of Education investigation following the arrests of two Chinese scientists associated with its labs. In June, Yunqing Jian, 33, was charged with conspiring to bring Fusarium graminearum -a fungus linked to crop-destroying “head blight” in wheat, barley, maize, and rice- into the country for research at Michigan labs. Her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, 34, was stopped at Detroit Metro Airport in July 2024 carrying fungal samples. Authorities cite this pathogen as a “potential agroterrorism weapon,” although experts note it is common in the U.S.

Shortly after, Chengxuan Han was arrested in June for smuggling unpermitted biological materials—specifically associated with worms—into Michigan for lab work. All three detained researchers have remained in custody, having waived bail.

Congressional leaders - including Reps. John Moolenaar, Tim Walberg, and Brian Babin - sent stern letters demanding details about lab access, oversight, and the university’s handling of foreign collaborations, especially in light of its January decision to end a partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The Department of Education's review focuses on whether the university properly reported foreign funding and managed national‑security risks tied to overseas research funding .

University officials have pledged full cooperation, emphasized that no Chinese government funding was involved, and condemned actions that threaten national interests or research integrity. The unfolding investigations highlight escalating scrutiny of foreign influence in American academic labs and intensify broader efforts to strengthen biosecurity and transparency in U.S. research institutions.

*Sources: *https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/15/us/university-michigan-investigation-chinese-scientists