Chinese Researchers Arrested for Attempting to Smuggle Pathogen out of United States

terrorism weapon into the United States. The two researchers, identified as Zheng Zaosong and Zhang Hao, were working in the United States on a J-1 visa for studying and conducting research at a prominent university. According to the Justice Department, Zheng was arrested at Boston Logan International Airport while attempting to board a flight to China with 21 vials of the pathogen hidden in a sock in his checked luggage. The pathogen, known as "M-4 strain", is a type of bacteria that can be used to cause plant diseases and poses a significant threat to the U.S. agriculture industry. The complaint filed by the prosecutors stated that Zhang had instructed Zheng to collect the vials from a colleague and transport them to China. The complaint also revealed that Zhang had connections to the Chinese government and was receiving funding from Chinese institutions for his research. The incident has raised concerns over the protection of intellectual property and the potential for foreign governments to steal and exploit U.S. research and technology. This is not the first time Chinese nationals have been accused of stealing U.S. research and technology. In 2018, a Chinese scientist was charged for attempting to steal trade secrets from a U.S. company. The Justice Department has urged universities and research institutions to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activities by foreign researchers. This case serves as a reminder for the U.S. to strengthen its measures to protect its research and technology from potential exploitation by foreign entities. The accused researchers have yet to enter a plea, and if found guilty, they could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. This case serves as a warning for others who may be attempting to smuggle dangerous pathogens out of the country and highlights the need for stricter measures to prevent such actions in the future."