Russian scientist and researcher at Harvard Medical School, Ksenia Petrova, was released on bail after being detained in U.S. federal custody for allegedly not declaring scientific specimens she brought into the country, as reported by The New York Times on Thursday.
The 31-year-old Petrova was formally charged last month with attempting to smuggle frog embryos and embryonic samples into the U.S. This charge, often applied in cases involving the illegal importation of exotic or endangered species, carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison or a fine of $250,000.
The allegation arose from an incident on February 16 at Boston Logan International Airport, where customs agents apprehended Petrova as she returned from France. Officials revoked her research visa after concluding that she failed to adequately declare the specimens. Following this, she was moved through several immigration detention centers.
Petrova’s lawyer, Gregory Romanovsky, communicated to The Moscow Times in a letter last month that the charges were “ridiculous and legally unsustainable,” arguing that the non-living frog embryos did not qualify as restricted biological materials under U.S. customs regulations and, therefore, did not need a permit.
On Thursday, a magistrate judge in Boston ordered Petrova’s release on bail, permitting her to go back to her apartment before her next court date set for the following week.
Romanovsky informed the NYT that Petrova is currently unable to work due to her visa situation. U.S. immigration authorities have begun deportation procedures, and she has yet to decide whether to stay in the country, according to her attorney.
“She has received invitations from various nations keen to support her research,” Romanovsky stated. “She is contemplating her options at this time and is very thankful to be free.”
Petrova has expressed concerns about potential arrest or worse consequences if she is deported back to Russia, owing to her political activism. It was reported that she was arrested in Russia in 2022 for protesting against the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
