Infectious disease scientist fired from infamous Canadian virology lab resurfaces in China

Dr. Xiangguo Qiu had her security clearance revoked in 2019 and her employment was terminated two years later. Her husband, Keding Cheng, a biologist who is believed to be with her in China, suffered the same consequences for his actions.

According to the Globe and Mail, Qiu is now conducting research at the University of Science and Technology of China in Hefei alongside Chinese military scientists, as well as those at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, on cures for coronavirus, Ebola, and Nipah viruses.

Documents reviewed by the outlet showed that Qiu returned to China in 2020 but still has two properties in Winnipeg, one of which was occupied by her and Cheng's two sons. Neighbors noted, however, that the two men had not been seen since December. The other home is being rented out by a couple who said they receive regular visits from law enforcement regarding their landlord.

Qiu arrived in Manitoba in 1996 to pursue graduate studies and began working at the Winnipeg lab, the only level 4 facility in the country, in 2006. Qui later became the head of the vaccine development and antiviral therapies section in the National Microbiology Laboratory’s special pathogens program, helped develop, among other things, a treatment for Ebola, and at one point oversaw 44 projects at once.

A report recently released by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, however, alleged that during their time at the lab, she and Cheng failed to disclose their collaboration with China. In one instance, they allegedly removed sensitive materials, including antibodies, from the biolab and shipped them to the China National Institute for Food and Drug Control. In another, they shared information with the Wuhan lab.

While the pair could be charged, Ottawa does not have an extradition agreement with Beijing, thus they will remain free unless they return to Canada.