Kseniia Petrova, a Russian scientist working at Harvard University, faces smuggling charges after failing to declare scientific samples she was carrying into the United States. The indictment was revealed in a federal court in Boston, where she was detained in February and released after a court appearance this month. During her release, Petrova was met by her legal representatives, who accompanied her as she greeted reporters outside the courthouse.
According to court filings, Petrova was accused of smuggling scientific materials that were not properly declared during her entry into the U.S. The exact nature of the samples and their potential classification as restricted or sensitive materials were not disclosed in the initial indictment. However, the case has raised questions about the security protocols in place for researchers and scientists traveling with specialized equipment or materials.
Harvard University has not yet commented on the case, as the details remain under investigation. Federal authorities have not provided further details on the charges or the potential consequences for Petrova. The case is being reviewed by a grand jury, and it is unclear at this stage whether the charges will be formally brought to trial.