2 Chinese Nationals to Stay in Jail Facing Charge of Smuggling Biological Material

The two defendants said they would not challenge prosecutors’ request to keep them in detention while their cases progress.

(Left) Chinese scientist Yunqing Jian. (Right) Chinese scientist Chengxuan Han. Sanilac County Sheriff's Office via AP

Two Chinese nationals accused of smuggling restricted biological materials into the United States will remain in custody after waiving their right to a hearing in separate court appearances in Detroit on June 13.

Han Chengxuan, a doctoral candidate from China’s Huazhong University of Science and Technology in central China’s Wuhan city, and Jian Yunqing, a post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Michigan, allegedly smuggled the materials for use at the University of Michigan.