ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Three more University of Michigan scholars from China are facing charges relating to smuggling biological material into the U.S. They’re also accused of lying to federal agents in an ongoing investigation that’s put national security and bioterrorism under the microscope.

The most recent scholars charged are part of a group of seven Chinese nationals with UM ties. They are 28-year-old Xu Bai, 27-year-old Fengfan Zhang, and 30-year-old Zhiyong Zhang. All three entered the U.S. on visas between 2021 and 2024.

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The case is linked to UM scholar Chengxuan Han. The 28-year-old received a sentence in September to time served for her role in the smuggling conspiracy. She is expected to travel back to China.

Prosecutors said Han shipped biological materials to Chinese scholars conducting research at UM. The criminal cases have unfolded amid plans by the Trump administration to revoke Chinese student visas nationwide. According to previous reports, the smuggled fungus could wreak havoc on Michigan’s major crops.

In addition, this case and the subsequent arrests raise serious questions about whether Chinese nationals are part of a campaign by the Chinese government to terrorize the U.S. agricultural industry.