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6d ago

Harvard Scientist Faces Smuggling Charge After Frog Embryos Found in Luggage

Kseniia Petrova, detained since February, now faces a felony charge and potential deportation to Russia, where she fears political persecution.

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Kseniia Petrova, 31, a Harvard scientist detained on February 16, 2025, for failing to declare scientific samples in her luggage.
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Overview

  • Kseniia Petrova, a Russian-born Harvard researcher, was charged with smuggling undeclared frog embryos into the U.S., escalating her legal troubles.
  • The charge, filed months after her February detention, carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
  • Petrova’s visa was revoked at Boston Logan Airport after Customs and Border Protection officers discovered the biological samples in her luggage.
  • Her attorney argues the criminal charge is baseless and aims to justify deportation efforts, while her mentor says the samples were harmless and warranted only a minor penalty.
  • Petrova, who fled Russia over anti-war activism, fears imprisonment or worse if deported; a bail hearing is scheduled for May 28 as she contests her removal.