Reedley Biolab Head Jia Bei Zhu Exposed as Fugitive with Fraud History

Documents reveal Zhu's criminal past in Canada, ties to Chinese government, and illegal entry into the U.S.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Police records show Jia Bei Zhu, the operator of a biolab in Reedley, California, has a criminal history, close connections to the Chinese government, and entered the U.S. illegally after fleeing a jail sentence and $330 million judgment in Canada. Zhu, who used the alias David He, set up an unlicensed lab in Reedley containing deadly diseases, chemical materials, and expensive medical equipment, despite being a wanted fugitive. He is now facing federal charges for adulterating and misbranding medical devices, making false statements, and wire fraud.

Why it matters

This case raises serious concerns about national security and public safety, as a wanted criminal was able to illegally enter the U.S., acquire dangerous biological materials, and operate an unlicensed lab. It also highlights the need for stronger oversight and regulation of the biotech industry to prevent such incidents from occurring.

The details

Zhu, who has a master's degree in cellular biology, came to North America to help build up the Chinese dairy industry at the expense of the U.S. He was found guilty by a Canadian court of intellectual property theft "on an 'epic scale'" and said his activities were intended to "defeat the American aggressor and wild ambitious wolf." Fleeing a jail sentence and a $330 million judgment against him in Canada, Zhu illegally entered the U.S. sometime after 2016 and set up a network of companies, including the Reedley biolab and a lab in Las Vegas that was raided by police.

  • In April 2026, Zhu's case will go to federal trial in Sacramento.
  • In December 2024, a judge noted several inconsistencies in Zhu's testimony during a bail hearing.
  • In 2023, Reedley authorities executed a search warrant for the warehouse storing the contents of Universal Meditech Inc., Zhu's company.
  • In January 2026, Las Vegas police raided a home connected to Zhu.

The players

Jia Bei Zhu

A 45-year-old Chinese national who operated an unlicensed biolab in Reedley, California, under the alias David He. He has a criminal history in Canada and close ties to the Chinese government.

XY LLC

A company that was defrauded by Zhu and is still seeking to collect on a $330 million judgment against companies led by Zhu in Canada.

Tony Capozzi

The Fresno attorney representing Zhu.

Ori Solomon

The property manager who directed a maintenance worker to move materials from Zhu's lab location in Las Vegas to a short-term rental owned by David Destiny Discovery LLC, which police later raided.

Zhaoyan Wang

Zhu's romantic partner who moved to China with their newborn child days before authorities executed a search warrant for the warehouse storing the contents of Universal Meditech Inc.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Jia Bei Zhu, also known as David He, out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and regulation of the biotech industry to prevent wanted criminals from illegally entering the country, acquiring dangerous materials, and operating unlicensed labs that pose a threat to public safety. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of the U.S. immigration system and the ability of fugitives to evade justice.