Kseniia Petrova, a Harvard scientist originally from Russia, is facing federal charges for allegedly smuggling biological materials into the U.S. after arriving at Boston Logan Airport on February 16 from Paris. Prosecutors claim she failed to declare preserved frog embryos found in her luggage, violating U.S. customs law. A complaint filed by law enforcement states that a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) canine alerted officers to her duffle bag, which contained frog embryos and other biological samples.
Initially, Petrova denied having any biological material but later acknowledged the samples after being shown a message discussing the need for permission to transport them. She has expressed confusion over customs procedures and described enduring a lengthy interrogation without access to legal counsel or communication with anyone, including her Harvard supervisor, Dr. Leon Peshkin. Throughout this ordeal, she conveyed fears regarding her return to Russia due to her anti-government protests, requesting instead to be sent back to France where she holds a valid visa.
During a recent habeas hearing in Vermont, U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss raised questions about the legality of the government’s actions, specifically whether CBP officers had the authority to revoke her visa based on a customs violation. Petrova’s attorney, Gregory Romanovsky, argued that the government overstepped its boundaries, stating that there were no grounds for her inadmissibility. He emphasized that she was ready to return to France but was detained instead. A tentative bail hearing has been scheduled for May 28 to further consider the jurisdiction and potential release of Petrova.
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