A Wyoming microbiology graduate student from China, Aili Wang, 32, has been arrested on accusations of poisoning the tea of a colleague who had pending patents. Prosecutors allege that she attempted to flee the country after being questioned by police.
Arrest Details
Wang was taken into custody on October 6 at Los Angeles International Airport while allegedly trying to return to China. Authorities found her in possession of laptops, electronic storage devices, and documents, which are now with the police. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Wang rummaging through the desk of her colleague, who specializes in technology for disease treatment, a field similar to her previous work in China.
Wang is currently being held without bail in Los Angeles.
Allegations of Poisoning
The allegations state that Wang purchased a chemical known as acrylamide through eBay. The substance was first detected when the alleged victim’s wife and others tested the water from the coffee maker used to brew tea. Mark Gomelsky, the microbiology professor overseeing both students, expressed his shock at the situation, stating:
