politics
House committee seeks NIH records after two scientists charged with smuggling mpox samples
A congressional committee requested documents from the National Institutes of Health after two agency scientists were charged with bringing undeclared mpox samples into the United States. The case has also prompted review of biosafety practices at one NIH facility.
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A House committee on energy and commerce requested records from the National Institutes of Health after two agency scientists were charged with smuggling mpox samples into the country. The scientists arrived at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on 25 January after a research trip to the Republic of Congo.
Customs and Border Protection officers questioned them about a large black plastic case they carried, which they said contained diagnostic equipment. Inspection revealed 113 sealed laboratory vials inside styrofoam coolers. Laboratory analysis of 20 vials found 17 containing inactivated monkeypox virus, one containing chickenpox virus, and two containing human DNA.
Charges and court proceedings Both scientists were charged on 2 June with conspiracy to smuggle mpox and making false statements to federal law enforcement. They pleaded not guilty at a hearing in Missoula, Montana, on 3 June and were released on bail.
A U.S. attorney said the allegations represented a serious breach of federal law. A special agent with the Department of Health and Human Services office of inspector general said any deliberate effort to conceal and smuggle biological materials without authorization is a breach of public trust.
Congressional and agency response In a 16 June letter to the NIH director, the House committee requested details about the scientists' work, the origin and transport of the samples, whether the agency authorized the trip, and its response after learning of the allegations.
An NIH spokesperson said the agency was notified of the airport incident in January and immediately implemented protocols to secure laboratory facilities and research materials. The spokesperson added that NIH took personnel actions and confirmed there was no risk to staff or the public.
