FBI Investigates Second Suspected Illegal Bio Lab in Las Vegas Linked to Chinese National and Deadly Pathogens

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On February 1, FBI agents searched a Las Vegas home following a code violation call and discovered vials containing unknown substances suspected to be part of an illegal biological lab operation.

The property owner, a Chinese national arrested in 2023 for smuggling Fusarium graminearum - a potential agroterrorism fungus - remains in jail after pleading not guilty.

During the search, a property manager at the location was arrested. The lab allegedly contained thousands of samples labeled as HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, COVID-19, and Ebola, and received funding from Chinese banks.

This incident follows a 2023 case in Reedley, California, prompting Congressman Kevin Kiley to call for hearings on legislation addressing unregulated facilities.

The Las Vegas investigation escalated when authorities suspected illegal medical-type biological research materials, leading the Joint Terrorism Task Force to take over. Materials in vials were removed and are being transported to a secure county health facility for testing to determine their nature and potential harm.

No immediate danger has been identified, and searches of 20 additional locations have found nothing concerning so far.