Boston – A federal judge on Wednesday dismissed the criminal smuggling case against Kseniia Petrova, a 31‑year‑old scientist at Harvard Medical School, clearing her of all charges related to the transport of frog embryos intended for cancer research.
Prosecutors cite resource priorities
U.S. Attorney Leah Foley filed a motion to dismiss, stating that continuing the prosecution would cost more in resources than it would serve the public interest. “At this stage, the resource costs of continuing this prosecution outweigh the public interest in its resolution,” Foley wrote.
Background of the case
Petrova was arrested in early 2025 after customs officials at Logan International Airport questioned her about a package of frog embryos she had obtained from a French laboratory specializing in embryonic research. She was detained for four months in an immigration facility while her visa was contested.
Petrova told the Associated Press she did not realize the samples needed to be declared and had no intent to conceal them. Her defense argued the criminal case was retaliatory, noting that the government only pursued charges after it appeared she might win her immigration battle.
Judicial ruling and attorney response
U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin, appointed by former President Barack Obama, dismissed the case without a hearing, agreeing that the prosecution was highly unusual. Petrova’s attorney, Daniel Marx, said the scientist’s work aims to advance medical research into aging and that the inert, non‑living frog embryos posed no danger.
Government’s request for broader data
In her filing, Foley also requested that the government provide information on comparable passenger encounters involving undeclared items, arguing that such data is necessary to assess whether Petrova’s prosecution was selective.
The Department of Homeland Security had previously defended Petrova’s detention, alleging she lied to federal officers about the embryos. With the charges now dismissed, Petrova can resume her research at Harvard without the cloud of criminal allegations.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
