Harvard Scientist’s Smuggling Case Spurs Legal Battle

Kseniia Petrova, a Russian-born researcher at Harvard Medical School, has been charged with smuggling frog embryos and other biological samples into the United States after failing to declare them upon arrival at Boston Logan Airport in February 2025. Federal prosecutors allege she initially denied carrying any biological specimens but later admitted to it after being confronted, with text messages suggesting she knew of the requirement to declare the materials. Petrova was detained by ICE and has filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of her detention, with her lawyer arguing the criminal charges are being used to justify deportation and are legally questionable. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Supporters, including her mentor at Harvard, contend the samples were non-hazardous and any violation was minor, warranting only a warning or fine. The case has sparked debate over immigration enforcement, scientific collaboration, and due process for foreign researchers in the U.S.