Suspicions Surround Chinese-Linked Biolab in Central California

New details have emerged regarding suspicions surrounding the operations of a Chinese-linked biolab in central California. According to documents obtained by Fox News, concerns were raised about Universal Meditech Inc. (UMI) far earlier than previously known, with one official requesting assistance in possibly shutting down the biolab before it could relocate. However, local and state officials failed to take action, allowing lab workers to empty a warehouse filled with dangerous biological agents, lab mice, chemicals, and equipment.

UMI, which claimed to be manufacturing pregnancy and COVID-19 tests, moved from Fresno to a previously vacant warehouse in Reedley, approximately 20 miles away, without the knowledge of Reedley officials. The unpermitted and unlicensed lab containing numerous deadly infectious agents was not shut down until March of this year, after its discovery and subsequent media attention. The discovery has prompted investigations and raised questions about UMI's true intentions, as the company also possessed lab mice and cultures of malaria, dengue fever, HIV, and tuberculosis.

The suspicions were initially raised in August 2022 when Fresno Fire Chief Kerri Donis expressed concerns about UMI's operations in an email. Two years earlier, a fire had occurred at the UMI warehouse, and subsequent investigations had revealed safety violations. Fire inspector Brennen Henry's findings corroborated Chief Donis's concerns, and there were suspicions that the smell in the building could be the result of animal testing. City code enforcement officer Raymond Golden was assigned the case and conducted numerous inspections, concluding that the business was involved in medical testing using lab animals and storing hazardous materials in violation of city zoning laws.

Golden expressed grave concern about the facility and its potential impact on the environment and public safety. He reached out to various agencies, including California's Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and the California EPA, for assistance. However, the agencies referred the matter back to Fresno County, stating that they did not regulate biohazard waste or infectious materials. Golden's attempts to secure help were met with delays, as upper management in the agencies did not respond promptly.

Fresno County health officials were also investigating the lab, attempting to make contact with workers. However, UMI was unresponsive to their inquiries. Despite concerns about the lab's non-compliance and potential hazards, Fresno County officials did not have the legal authority to shut down the lab before it relocated. The lack of intervention allowed UMI to move its operations to Reedley without repercussions.

Inspectors from Fresno County and Louisiana lawyers who sued UMI documented the warehouse's dirty conditions, safety violations, and non-compliant operations. These findings aligned with a private scientist's assessment during a court-ordered inspection. Numerous photographs taken by the inspectors showcased the unsanitary conditions of the warehouse.

Throughout the investigation, UMI remained uncooperative and provided inaccurate and incomplete information. The only written correspondence from UMI was an email from the company's CEO, Xiao Xiao Wang, to Inspector Golden. The email mentioned the company's intentions to move and claimed that a large portion of the items had been disposed of, with creditors potentially reclaiming some items. However, no proof was offered to support these claims.

It remains unclear when UMI officially left Fresno and relocated to Reedley. Inspector Golden's final inspection on December 22 noted that the property had been cleared out and the tenant had moved on, leading to the closure of the case.

The suspicions surrounding UMI's operations have raised concerns about the potential environmental and public safety hazards associated with the biolab. Investigations into UMI's true intentions and the handling of dangerous biological agents continue as authorities work to ensure the proper disposal and containment of these hazardous materials.