By Trend News Line 2024-05-24 18:06:46.
The University of Florida has been embroiled in a scandal involving an illegal scheme to purchase and smuggle dangerous drugs and toxins to China over a span of seven years, as revealed by federal court records. The scheme, which involved a UF research employee and several students, has attracted the attention of the Justice Department.
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Among the students implicated in the scheme is Nongnong “Leticia” Zheng, the president of UF’s Chinese Students and Scholars Association. Zheng, a senior marketing major, confirmed that she has been notified of being a target in a grand jury investigation and is facing potential criminal charges. She has been assigned a federal public defender and is at risk of imprisonment or deportation.
The materials smuggled to China included dangerous substances such as purified cholera toxin, pertussis toxin, fentanyl, morphine, MDMA, cocaine, and other drugs. These substances were shipped to China in violation of legal regulations.
The scheme’s organizers used various tactics to carry out the illicit activities, including changing email signatures to misrepresent students as biomedical engineering majors and using UF email addresses to order the substances. The UF research employee involved in the scheme worked in the stockroom of a university research lab.
The university has stated that it is cooperating with the Justice Department in the investigation. Spokesman Steve Orlando mentioned that employees found to have broken the law will face termination, and students involved will be subject to suspension.
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Former Senator Ben Sasse, who is now the president of the university, has expressed concerns about the impact of the scheme on efforts to counter China’s influence and ascendancy as a global power. The incident has reignited debates about foreign interference in universities and the need to protect against such activities.
The ringleader of the scheme, Pen “Ben” Yu, has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and faces a potential prison sentence and fine. Yu directed Zheng and others to order the substances using fraudulent means and then shipped them to China.
The faculty adviser of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association, Eric Jing Du, has condemned the illegal activities and expressed concern about the potential repercussions for international students. He emphasized the contributions of students from countries of concern and urged decision-makers to consider the impact of their actions on these students.
As the investigation continues, the University of Florida is expected to take further action against those involved in the scheme. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding ethical standards and complying with legal regulations in academic research and activities..
UF employee students implicated illegal plot ship drugs toxins China
Employee students implicated illegal plot ship drugs toxins China UF.
