Harvard University scientist Kseniia Petrova, a Russian-born researcher specializing in cancer research, has been charged with three federal crimes for allegedly smuggling frog embryos into the United States. The indictment, issued by a Boston federal grand jury, includes charges of concealment of a material fact, smuggling goods into the U.S., and making false statements. Petrova, 30, is facing the possibility of up to 20 years in prison for the smuggling violation and up to five years in prison with an additional $250,000 fine for the concealment and false statement charges.
Petrova was initially arrested in February after being stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Boston Logan International Airport during her return from a vacation in France. She told officers she had picked up a package containing superfine sections of frog embryos with the intention of using the samples for research. However, federal prosecutors allege text messages from her phone reveal she was aware of her legal obligation to declare the biological materials, despite her claims of ignorance.
The case has drawn attention due to Petrova’s ties to the United States and her academic affiliation with one of the country’s most prestigious universities. She was subsequently informed that her visa was being canceled and was taken into custody by immigration officials in Vermont. While on pretrial release, Petrova remains under investigation, with a federal judge recently ruling that the actions of immigration officers were unlawful, allowing her to seek release from ICE detention.
Harvard University and Petrova’s legal representatives have not yet responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. Meanwhile, the case highlights the strict scrutiny of biological material transport across international borders and raises questions about the extent of research ethics compliance within academic institutions. If convicted, Petrova faces significant legal and personal consequences, which could also impact her research career and the broader scientific community.