A House committee report has exposed the unsettling discovery of an illegal Chinese-owned biolab in Reedley, California, storing an array of biological substances, including vials labeled ‘HIV’ and a freezer marked ‘Ebola’. The hazardous nature of the substances raised significant concerns about potential biosecurity risks.
The illegal operation came to light in December 2022 when an alert code enforcement officer, Jesalyn Harper, stumbled upon the clandestine lab. Surprisingly, the warehouse housing the lab had appeared vacant for over a decade, arousing suspicion when Harper noticed an unusual green pipe protruding from its wall. Her investigation revealed a setup equipped with laboratory apparatus, medical-grade freezers, lab animals, and vials labeled in Mandarin, English, and an indecipherable code. Notably, individuals identifying themselves as Chinese nationals were present in lab attire.
Harper’s alarming discovery prompted an investigation by city officials. However, efforts to involve federal agencies faced resistance, as per the House committee report. Despite attempts to seek aid from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FBI, initial responses proved unproductive. Local officials encountered hurdles, with the CDC declining communication and the FBI terminating its investigation, citing the absence of weapons of mass destruction on the premises.
The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party intervened, launching an independent inquiry that led to a comprehensive 42-page report. The findings revealed the CDC’s reluctance to cooperate with local authorities and the FBI’s premature dismissal of the case.
While the labeled vials hinted at concerning pathogens like ‘Ebola’, the report indicated inconsistencies, negating indications of a bioweapons program. The identified owner of the Reedley biolab, Jia Bei Jesse Zhu, was pinpointed in the investigation.
This alarming revelation underscores the potential biosecurity threats posed by clandestine biolab activities and the challenges faced by authorities in addressing such critical concerns.
Sources By Agencies
