A Chinese citizen residing in the United States under a visa program has been formally accused of attempting to smuggle harmful bacteria into the country. This charge has raised significant concerns regarding the integrity of international research exchanges.

FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Friday that Youhuang Xiang, a post-doctoral researcher holding a J-1 visa, is facing allegations of smuggling the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) into the United States. Additionally, Xiang is accused of making false statements related to this activity.

The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa designed for qualified international individuals to travel to the United States, where they can participate in work and study programs aimed at providing valuable experience.

In a post on X, Patel commented on the situation, stating, “This incident is yet another example of a researcher from China, who was granted the opportunity to work in a U.S. academic setting, allegedly opting to engage in activities that breach U.S. laws. This involved receiving biological materials concealed in a package sent from China.”

Details regarding the intended destination or purpose of the bacteria Xiang allegedly attempted to smuggle remain undisclosed. However, Patel expressed gratitude towards the FBI offices in Indianapolis and Chicago for their efforts in this case. Xiang’s lawyer, James Tunick, clarified to the Daily Mail that Xiang was employed legally at Indiana University.

While numerous strains of E. coli exist, the specific strain Xiang purportedly attempted to import is currently unknown. This uncertainty further complicates understanding the potential risks associated with this incident.

Patel continued: ‘The FBI and our CBP partners are committed to enforcing U.S. laws put in place to protect against this global threat to our economy and food supply. If not properly controlled, E. coli and other biological materials could inflict devastating disease to U.S. crops and cause significant financial loss to the U.S. economy.’

E.coli typically comes from undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy and raw produce like apples, cucumbers and sprouts. People can become infected with E.coli by consuming contaminated water or food, through contact with animals or their feces and via contact with feces of an infected person. 

FBI Director Kash Patel (pictured) said Friday that a post-doctoral researcher on a J-1 visa was charged with allegedly smuggling Escherichia coli (E.coli) into the country and making false statements about it

Estimates on how many people are infected with E.coli are difficult to compile because many people go undiagnosed. However, the CDC estimates that some strains of the bacteria cause more than 260,000 illnesses, 3,600 hospitalizations and dozens of deaths.

The bacteria is often used in research because it is inexpensive, grows quickly and is easy to manipulate genetically, allowing for a wide array of experiments to be performed using it. 

Researchers in a 2022 Special Series published in the Journal of Bacteriology said E.coli is ‘likely the most studied organism and was instrumental in developing many fundamental concepts in biology.’

Symptoms of an infection with E.coli include vomiting and diarrhea, blood in the urine, a high fever and dehydration. The bacteria can cause a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure and death.   

Patel continued on X: ‘The FBI will not tolerate any attempt to exploit our nation’s institutions for illegal activity – as we have seen in this case and the three Chinese nationals charged in Michigan in November for allegedly 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.’

Foreign nationals can apply for a J-1 visa as an au pair, camp counselor, college and university student, intern, government visitor, doctor, professor, research scholar, teacher or trainee. 

Around 300,000 foreign visitors from 200 countries and territories come to the U.S. through the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program each year, according to the National Immigration Forum.

A J-1 visa typically lasts from a few weeks to several years depending on the category. Short-term researchers may only be allowed to stay for as little as one day, while physicians may be permitted to remain in the US for up to seven years.

The status and category of Xiang’s visa was not immediately made known.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Xiang but has not received a response. 

Tunick told Daily Mail: ‘Youhuang Xiang was legally working in the United States on a J-1 visa with a professor from the Biology Department at Indiana University to better wheat crop production in the United States. 

‘The allegation that Youhuang smuggled E.coli into the United States is completely false and is not even charged by the United States Department of Justice.’ 

Patel added: ‘To all universities and their compliance departments: Please be vigilant of this trend. Ensure your researchers know that there is a correct and legal way to obtain a license to import/export approved biological materials, and it must be followed without exception. 

‘Our continued partnerships will help to better secure our nation and ensure all parties are held accountable.’