Li Chen and Yu Zhou lose citizenship in U.S. court ruling

Li Chen and Yu Zhou have had their naturalized citizenship revoked by a federal court in the United States after a judge concluded that both illegally obtained citizenship following criminal conduct involving medical trade secrets.

The ruling was issued by James E. Simmons Jr. of the United States District Court for the Southern District of California.

The court found that both individuals had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft of trade secrets and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, offences that legally prevented them from meeting the moral character requirements necessary for naturalization.

According to the ruling, the crimes were considered serious unlawful acts with no extenuating circumstances that could justify maintaining citizenship status.

Federal authorities said both defendants were involved in taking medical research related to exosome isolation while employed as scientists at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Investigators concluded that the stolen intellectual property was used for personal financial benefit through business activity connected to research commercialization.

Court findings stated that the couple also received significant financial support linked to official programs connected with China.

Authorities estimate that nearly 1.5 million dollars in transactions were connected to the exchange of intellectual property involved in the case.

Following earlier criminal proceedings, Chen received a prison sentence of 30 months, while Zhou was sentenced to 33 months.

Both were also ordered to jointly repay more than 2.6 million dollars in restitution.

Immigration records show Chen entered the United States in 2007 under a skilled worker visa, while Zhou first entered earlier under an exchange visitor category before later obtaining employment based immigration status.

Chen became a naturalized citizen in 2016 and Zhou in 2017.

The court concluded that their criminal actions, including wire fraud related offences, directly contradicted the legal standards required for maintaining naturalized citizenship.

The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement through Homeland Security investigations and immigration legal enforcement divisions.

Federal officials say the decision reflects continued scrutiny over citizenship cases involving serious fraud, national security concerns, and intellectual property violations.

The ruling also reinforces that naturalization can be reversed when courts determine citizenship was granted despite disqualifying conduct. ⚖️🇺🇸📄🔬

Courtesy: justice.gov