Russian scientist Kseniia Petrova smuggled frog embryos into US being held in ICE jail for deportation
Share and Follow

A Russian scientist working at Harvard Medical School who was apprehended by ICE three months ago is now facing charges of attempting to import frog embryos unlawfully into the United States, announced federal prosecutors.

Kseniia Petrova, a research associate at the Ivy League school, has been holed up at an ICE facility ever since she nabbed after flying into Boston’s international airport with the stash of embryos back in February.

The 31-year-old Russian, who had just come back from a vacation in Paris, initially denied having to declare anything when probed by Customs and Border Protection, the feds allege.

A search of her duffle bag allegedly uncovered a foam box containing clawed frog embryos in microcentrifuges, as well as embryonic samples in paraffin well stages and on mounted dyed slides, prosecutors said.

Petrova later allegedly admitted to carrying biological material but claimed she didn’t no she was required to declare it.

Text messages recovered from her phone showed that a colleague had told her she’d needed to declare the goods, according to prosecutors.

“If you bring samples or antibody back, make sure you get the permission etc. Like that link I sent to leon-/group chat about frog embryos because TSA went through my bags at customs in Boston,” one text read, according to a criminal complaint.

“What is your plan to pass the American Customs with samples? This is the most delicate place of the trajectory,” another text read.

Petrova allegedly responded: “No plan yet. I won’t be able to swallow them.”

Her research visa was immediately revoked after she was detained.

She has been held at an immigration detention facility in Louisiana ever since.

In additional to deportation, Petrova now faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of smuggling goods into the US.

Her lawyer, Gregory Romanovsky, ripped the case as “meritless.”

“The charge, filed three months after the alleged customs violation, is clearly intended to make Kseniia look like a criminal to justify their efforts to deport her,” he said in a statement.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
YouTuber Jack Doherty whines about his $250k watch as he's arrested

YouTuber Jack Doherty Expresses Concerns Over $250k Watch During Arrest

YouTuber Jack Doherty found himself in a predicament this weekend when Miami…
Once-mighty steakhouse with just 74 locations left eyes big return

Renowned Steakhouse Chain Strategizes Major Comeback with 74 Locations Remaining

A once-iconic steakhouse that played a pivotal role in shaping the American…
10-year-old boy among dead following NJ shooting that killed 2, injured 3

Tragic NJ Shooting Claims Lives, Including 10-Year-Old Boy; 3 Others Injured

A tragic shooting incident in Newark, New Jersey, on Saturday night resulted…
Inside Hollywood's quiet rebellion against cancel culture

Hollywood’s Silent Uprising: How the Industry is Defying Cancel Culture

For years, Americans have grown weary of cancel culture—a relentless cycle of…
Maduro sings John Lennon's 'Imagine' at rally as US warships patrol Venezuelan waters

Maduro’s Serenade: Singing ‘Imagine’ Amidst US Naval Tensions Near Venezuela

During a rally on Saturday, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro unexpectedly serenaded the…
Florida man accused of opening fire after argument over chickens laying eggs

Florida Resident Allegedly Opens Fire Following Dispute Over Egg-Laying Chickens

An altercation over chickens took a violent turn outside a pub in…
‘Golden toilet’ scandal: Zelenskyy faces deepest crisis yet as allies accused in $100M wartime scheme

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Confronts Major Crisis Amid $100M ‘Golden Toilet’ Corruption Allegations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is facing a significant challenge to his leadership…
Inside Britney Spears' cozy sleepover with Kim and Khloé Kardashian

Britney Spears Hosts an Intimate Gathering with Kim and Khloé Kardashian

Britney Spears recently delighted her fans with a glimpse into a lively…