"Harvard Researcher Facing Charges for Frog Embryo Smuggling: Federal Judge Orders Transfer to Massachusetts"
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"Harvard Researcher Facing Charges for Frog Embryo Smuggling: Federal Judge Orders Transfer to Massachusetts"
[!CDATA[A federal judge has ordered the transfer of Kseniia Petrova, a Russian-born scientist and Harvard University researcher, from Louisiana to Massachusetts. Petrova, who was detained by immigration authorities in Louisiana, is facing charges of trying to smuggle frog embryos into the United States. Her lawyer expects the transfer to happen in the next few weeks. Petrova, 30, had been on vacation in France and obtained a package of frog embryo samples from a lab specializing in splicing superfine sections. When she arrived at Boston Logan International Airport, she was questioned about the samples and her visa was canceled. Petrova claims she did not realize the items needed to be declared and was not attempting to smuggle anything. If convicted, Petrova could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The Department of Homeland Security alleges that Petrova lied to federal officers about carrying substances into the country and planned to smuggle the materials through customs without declaring them. Harvard University, where Petrova is a researcher, stated that they are monitoring the situation closely. The university continues to keep an eye on the developments surrounding Petrova's case.]]