Harvard Researcher Kseniia Petrova Released from Immigration Custody Amid Smuggling Charges
Kseniia Petrova, a Harvard scientist, has been released from immigration custody after a judge ruled her detention unjustified amid smuggling charges.
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Overview
Kseniia Petrova, a Harvard researcher, has been released from immigration custody by a federal judge after being detained for over three months for allegedly smuggling frog embryos. The judge found her detention unjustified, stating that the embryos were non-hazardous and posed no threat. Colleagues testified to her valuable cancer research contributions, with one scientist expressing willingness to hire her. Petrova, currently in custody of the US Marshals in Louisiana, is expected to be brought to Massachusetts for a bail hearing next week. The government has until May 30 to propose terms for her release.
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Kseniia Petrova was arrested at Boston Logan International Airport in February 2025 after Customs officials discovered frog embryos in her luggage. She was detained and later sent to an ICE facility in Louisiana, awaiting deportation proceedings. Recently, she was released from immigration custody by a federal judge due to lack of flight risk and danger concerns.
If convicted of smuggling, Petrova faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
A federal judge released Petrova from immigration custody after finding her detention unjustified and concluding she posed no flight risk or danger. The decision was also influenced by testimony from her colleagues about her valuable research contributions.
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