A local enforcement official discovered a lab in Reedley, California, containing potentially infectious agents and raising concerns about regulatory oversight.
Investigation in Reedley and Charges
Jesalyn Harper, a local regulations enforcement officer, entered a warehouse in Reedley following a report of a foul odor despite the building being listed as vacant. Inside, she found vials of liquid labeled with terms like “Malaria,” “COVID-19,” and “HIV,” as well as containers marked “blood” and “Ebola.”
According to documents, the warehouse contained at least 20 potentially infectious bacterial and viral agents, including dengue, hepatitis B and C, herpes virus, rubella, and SARS coronavirus. In October 2023, Jia Bei Zhu was charged with improperly labeled medical products and making false statements to the FDA.
Additional charges of electronic fraud and conspiracy to commit electronic fraud were later added. Zhu has not been accused of operating an illegal biological laboratory, and his defense rejects such suggestions.
COVID-19 Tests and Alleged Mislabeling
Investigators allege Zhu imported COVID-19 tests from China, mislabeling them as other medical products before selling them as American-made. Zhu has pleaded not guilty.
Las Vegas Connection
The case expanded when authorities searched a property near Las Vegas linked to Zhu. They seized firearms, laboratory equipment, and over 1,000 samples of unidentified liquids, which were sent to the FBI for analysis.
The materials were consistent with those found in Reedley. Ori Solomon, a 55-year-old Israeli citizen identified as the property manager, was arrested.
Congressional Inquiry and Regulatory Concerns
The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party also investigated the case. Its report highlighted over $1.3 million in “unexplained” payments Zhu allegedly received from Chinese banks.
The committee concluded the Reedley case revealed serious gaps in U.S. regulations regarding oversight of unregistered laboratories.