A Russian-born Harvard researcher faces smuggling charges after TSA in Boston allegedly found biological material, including frog embryos, in her luggage. The incident has sparked a debate over scientific freedom and the treatment of foreign researchers in the U.S. Kseniia Petrova, a 31-year-old researcher at Harvard Medical School, became the focus of a federal investigation after authorities discovered clawed frog embryos and embryonic samples in her luggage at Logan Airport. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts filed a criminal complaint against Petrova, accusing her of smuggling goods into the U.S.
Petrova was initially detained on February 16, 2025, following a canine alert at the airport. She reportedly denied having the biological material at first but later admitted to carrying it. Prosecutors claim she was aware of the need for a permit to import the samples, citing text messages that show she was conscious of the requirements. In one exchange, she was asked if she had a plan to bring the items into the U.S., and she allegedly responded by saying, “No plan yet. I won’t be able to swallow them.”
Her defense attorney, Gregory Romanovsky, has argued that the biological samples did not require a permit under U.S. Customs law. He stated that customs experts confirmed the materials were non-living and not considered biological under U.S. law. Romanovsky further claimed that the government’s actions were a pretext to justify her deportation to Russia, where she faces risks due to her opposition to the Putin regime. He pointed out that the government had no legal basis for revoking her visa and detaining her initially.
Petrova’s case has drawn international attention, with colleagues expressing concerns about the impact of her detention on scientific research. In a recent New York Times op-ed, Petrova described her experience of being detained by ICE after vacationing in Paris. She expressed fear of being arrested in Russia if deported, as she has spoken out against the war in Ukraine. She also highlighted how her absence affected the lab, where her work contributes to cancer and aging research using advanced imaging technology. Her absence has reportedly led to the lab’s research grinding to a halt due to the lack of her expertise.
Romanovsky emphasized that the government filed criminal charges against Petrova to make her appear like a criminal and justify her deportation. He believes the case against her is politically motivated and aimed at undermining her scientific contributions. The case has also raised questions about the treatment of foreign scientists in the U.S. and the potential impact on academic collaboration. Meanwhile, the legal battle continues, with Petrova awaiting a transfer to Massachusetts for her upcoming court proceedings.