Harvard Scientist's Legal Battle: Frog Embryo Smuggling Allegations Unfold

In a Massachusetts federal court, Harvard researcher Kseniia Petrova faced accusations of smuggling frog embryos into the US. The incident occurred after returning from a trip to France via Boston Logan International Airport. The case has prompted a significant legal battle over the categorization and declaration of biological materials.

Petrova, a Russian-born scientist conducting cancer research at Harvard Medical School, was charged with smuggling. She was initially detained after questions arose during a customs check. Petrova claimed ignorance about the need to declare the samples and insists she had no intention of smuggling. A subsequent arrest and visa cancellation led to a legal wrangle over her detention.

The court heard testimonies about the nature of the materials she carried. Homeland Security Investigations agent Brian Goldsworthy argued she would have been stopped if she declared the samples. With both sides set to submit briefs, Petrova faces a potential 20-year prison sentence and a $250,000 fine if convicted.

(With inputs from agencies.)