Las Vegas authorities discovered a suspected China-linked biological lab Saturday at the home of Jia Bei Zhu, who is in federal custody for operating an illegal lab in California where investigators reportedly found infectious agents, including HIV and malaria.
More than 1,000 pieces of evidence, including vials containing unknown liquids, were seized from Zhu’s garage on Sugar Springs Drive, according to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD).
“Investigators observed refrigerators, a freezer, laboratory-type equipment, and numerous containers holding unknown liquid substances,” LVMPD said in a post on X. “Due to the unknown nature of the materials, the operation required multiple controlled entries, strict safety protocols, and extensive decontamination procedures.”
#UPDATE Sheriff Kevin McMahill, alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Clark County Fire Department, provided a detailed update regarding the complex investigation at a residence on Sugar Springs Drive in northeast Las Vegas near Washington and Hollywood.
A little… pic.twitter.com/483gu8pH5y
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) February 3, 2026
Authorities said the samples have been sent for testing, and local and federal investigators are working to determine the nature of the substances found.
LVMPD also arrested 55-year-old Ori Solomon, the property manager, on charges of unlawfully disposing and discharging hazardous waste during the raid.
Zhu, who also goes by the name David He, was indicted in 2023 alongside his romantic partner for manufacturing and distributing misbranded medical devices and making false statements to the FDA. Additional charges of fraud and conspiracy were added in 2024.
According to police, he was a fugitive from Canada wanted in connection with several companies tied to China’s dairy industry. Officials said much of the lab’s work appeared to focus on “solving China’s severe milk crisis.”
A raid on Zhu’s Reedley home in 2022 uncovered laboratory mice and thousands of vials labeled with pathogens such as “HIV,” “tuberculosis,” “malaria,” “hepatitis,” and “Ebola.”
Investigators said the mice were genetically modified to simulate human immune systems. Workers assisting local law enforcement reportedly became sick after handling the infected animals.
Authorities are now investigating whether the two cases are connected.
