University of Florida Employee and Students Involved in Drug Shipment Scheme to China

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Key Takeaways:

UF employee and students involved in a seven-year drug shipping scheme, sending biochemical substances illegally to China.
Key figures include Nongnong “Leticia” Zheng and Pen “Ben” Yu, with multiple guilty pleas in the conspiracy.
The scheme unraveled following MilliporeSigma’s report of irregularities, leading to a broader DOJ investigation and cooperation from UF.

University of Florida Employee and Students Involved in Drug Shipment Scheme to China

UF Employee and Students Implicated in Drug Scheme Involving China

A scandal has surfaced at the University of Florida (UF), implicating a research employee and students in an illegal scheme to ship drugs and toxins to China. According to federal court records, this operation spanned over seven years, revealing a web of deceit and manipulation surrounding the involved parties.

What Happened in the UF Illegal Scheme?

Federal court records have revealed a multimillion-dollar scheme involving the procurement and shipment of biochemical samples of dangerous substances from a UF campus lab to China. The implicated parties managed to fraudulently obtain and ship these materials over several years, evading legal and regulatory constraints aimed at controlling such transactions.

Who Are the Key Figures?

Although court records have not disclosed the full identities of the UF employee or the students involved, one student has been identified. Nongnong “Leticia” Zheng, the president of UF’s Chinese Students and Scholars Association, has come to the forefront. Fresh Take Florida, a news service associated with the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, disclosed her involvement based on biographical details unique to her.

“This case seems to be really big,” Zheng stated in an interview on Friday. “What I was doing was, like, just a little work, and I didn’t get paid that much.”

What Was Shipped to China?

According to the court documents, the materials shipped to China included:
– Purified, noncontagious proteins of cholera toxin (causing diarrheal infection)
– Pertussis toxin (causing whooping cough)
– Analytical samples of various drugs such as fentanyl, morphine, MDMA, cocaine, ketamine, codeine, and methamphetamine

These substances are highly regulated, and exporting them to China without the necessary approvals constitutes a serious violation of U.S. laws.

How the Scheme Operated

Prosecutors revealed that one student, a Chinese citizen, majoring in marketing, agreed to falsely represent herself as a biomedical engineering student in her UF email signature. This deception allowed her to purchase the dangerous samples without arousing suspicion. An excerpt from an email mentioned her first name as “Leticia.”

Zheng, living most of her life in China, was reportedly unaware of the full extent of the scheme. She revealed “I noticed red flags such as lack of paperwork or consistent payments for her work.” She added that she was unfamiliar with the substances she ordered.

The Role of the UF Employee

The UF research employee, whose identity remains undisclosed, worked in the stockroom of a research lab. This employee facilitated the handover of the biomedical substances to Pen “Ben” Yu, the alleged ringleader. After receiving the items, Yu shipped them to China.

Who is Pen “Ben” Yu?

Pen “Ben” Yu, aged 51, from Gibsonton near Tampa, has been identified as the scheme’s mastermind. Yu has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine when sentenced on August 2. He provided Zheng with a credit card to place fraudulent orders and directed her communications with the biomedical company involved.

Additional Co-Conspirators and Proceedings

Gregory Muñoz, 45, a sales executive for Massachusetts-based Sigma-Aldrich, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Muñoz sold products to UF and other universities in Florida, enabling part of the fraudulent activities. His sentencing is scheduled for July 23.

Meanwhile, another individual, Jonathan Rok Thyng, 47, who shared Yu’s address in Gibsonton, agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit a federal crime. Thyng’s plea is expected on June 18, and he faces up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

How Were They Caught?

The scheme began to unravel when MilliporeSigma, a subsidiary of Merck KGaA of Germany, discovered irregularities in their transactions involving UF. They subsequently reported the suspicious activities to the U.S. government, thereby triggering a broader investigation. Under Justice Department regulations, companies that self-report export violations and cooperate with authorities can avoid prosecution.

What’s Next for UF?

The University of Florida has been cooperating with the Department of Justice. In a statement from UF spokesman Steve Orlando, he noted, “We will have more details to share regarding UF’s administrative actions as the DOJ’s criminal case unfolds.”

Which Immigration Issues Arise From This Case?

This case highlights significant immigration-related issues, particularly concerning Zheng. She has received notification from a federal prosecutor that she is the target of a grand jury investigation and may face criminal charges. Additionally, there are implications about potential imprisonment or deportation.

“Government agents have threatened to imprison or deport me,” Zheng disclosed.

For those interested in understanding more about immigration laws, including aspects relevant to students and employees facing legal challenges in the U.S., visiting the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) official website can provide detailed and authoritative information.

How Can Institutions Mitigate Similar Risks?

Policies and controls are crucial for institutions like universities to prevent similar illegal schemes. Best practices include:
1. Strengthening Background Checks: Ensure thorough background checks on employees and students working in sensitive research areas.
2. Monitoring Transactions: Implement a robust system to track and monitor transactions involving controlled substances.
3. Regular Audits: Conduct frequent audits of research labs and procurement processes to detect any anomalies.
4. Training and Awareness: Provide training for staff and students on the importance of compliance with laws regulating controlled substances.

Conclusion

The illegal scheme to ship drugs and toxins from UF to China has profound implications for all parties involved. As the DOJ’s case unfolds, it is essential to follow developments and understand the broader impact on the involved individuals, particularly concerning their immigration status and potential criminal charges. For universities, this case underscores the need for stringent controls and vigilance to prevent misuse of resources and criminal activities within academic environments.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration Terms

Deportation
- Definition: The formal removal of a foreign national from the U.S. for violating immigration or criminal laws.
- Context: Nongnong “Leticia” Zheng may face deportation due to her involvement in the illegal scheme.
Federal Court Records
- Definition: Official documents from proceedings and actions in a federal court.
- Context: The illegal scheme was exposed through detailed federal court records revealing the activities at UF.
Wire Fraud
- Definition: A crime involving the use of telecommunications or the internet to defraud someone of money or property.
- Context: Pen “Ben” Yu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in the scheme.
Grand Jury Investigation
- Definition: A legal process where a group of citizens examines evidence presented by prosecutors to determine whether there is enough basis for criminal charges.
- Context: Zheng is the target of a grand jury investigation, which could lead to criminal charges.
Export Violations
- Definition: Breaches of laws regulating the shipment of goods, particularly hazardous or sensitive materials, out of the country.
- Context: The scheme involved illegal export of regulated substances to China, triggering legal consequences.

This Article In A Nutshell:

A University of Florida employee and students are implicated in a drug smuggling scheme involving shipping dangerous substances to China. The operation spanned seven years. The federal investigation uncovers a web of deceit, causing serious legal repercussions and shedding light on institutional oversight failures.
— By VisaVerge.com

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