Federal authorities have arrested three Chinese nationals accused of conspiring to smuggle biological materials into the United States under the guise of academic research.

The arrests mark the latest development in a series of investigations into Chinese nationals connected with American university research programs.

Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino announced the arrests Thursday on X, naming the suspects as Xu Bai, 28, Fengfan Zhang, 27, and Zhiyong Zhang, 30.

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“An update for you on our efforts to protect the homeland: THREE research scholars from China – Xu Bai, Fengfan Zhang, and Zhiyong Zhang – have been charged with conspiracy to smuggle biological materials into the United States and for making false statements to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers,” Bongino wrote.

“These are the latest charges in a string of cases stemming from Chinese National students’ criminal activities at university research centers,” Bongino said.

“FBI Counterintelligence will NOT tolerate any attempt to exploit American institutions to break the law, and we remain dedicated to protecting our communities and our educational institutions from threats like these.”

An update for you on our efforts to protect the homeland:

THREE research scholars from China – Xu Bai, Fergfan Zhang, and Zhiyong Zhang – have been charged with conspiracy to smuggle biological materials into the United States and for making false statements to U.S. Customs and…

— Dan Bongino (@FBIDDBongino) November 6, 2025

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According to the Department of Justice, the three researchers were affiliated with the University of Michigan.

Their arrests bring to six the number of Chinese nationals linked to the university who have faced criminal charges this year involving smuggling or false statements.

The Department of Justice stated that Bai and F. Zhang were charged with conspiracy to smuggle biological materials into the country, while Z. Zhang was charged with making false statements to federal agents.

The materials involved were related to roundworm research.

Prosecutors allege the defendants received samples from another Chinese national, Chengxuan Han, who had previously been charged with similar offenses and later deported.

Han’s case, filed in June 2025, involved the smuggling of biological materials and making false statements to U.S. authorities.

His arrest led to a broader federal investigation that identified multiple individuals allegedly involved in the illegal importation of biological substances.

In a related case, two other Chinese nationals — Yunqing Jian, 33, and her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, 34 — were charged with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the country, making false statements, and visa fraud.

According to court filings, Jian and Liu attempted to bring into the United States a fungus that infects grain crops. Jian allegedly intended to study the fungus in a University of Michigan laboratory. Both were arrested earlier this year.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi issued a statement emphasizing the national security implications of the case.

“Allegedly attempting to smuggle biological materials under the guise of ‘research’ is a serious crime that threatens America’s national and agricultural security,” Bondi said.

“We will remain vigilant to threats like these from foreign nationals who would take advantage of America’s generosity to advance a malicious agenda.”

U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon, Jr. said the arrests suggest a recurring pattern of activity.

“At some point, pattern becomes practice. And, apparently, 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. This is a threat to our collective security,” Gorgon said.

Investigators said that after Han’s deportation, Bai, F. Zhang, and Z. Zhang refused to cooperate with federal agents and were subsequently terminated by the university.

The three later attempted to leave the United States but were stopped before they could flee.

“This case underscores the vital importance of safeguarding the American people and addressing vulnerabilities within foreign student and exchange visitor programs,” Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Todd Lyons said.

“Educational institutions must enhance their admissions procedures to prevent exploitation, which can pose risks to national security, as demonstrated in this instance.”

FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency will continue to prioritize investigations involving foreign nationals attempting to bypass U.S. law through academic or research institutions.

“These charges show the FBI and our partners will aggressively investigate and hold accountable those who violate our laws, and that academic research cannot excuse illegal activity,” Patel said.

“The Chinese nationals charged today allegedly were involved in smuggling biological materials into the U.S. on several occasions. The FBI and our partners are committed to defending the homeland and stopping any illegal smuggling into our country.”

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