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Federal agents have uncovered a second unauthorized biological laboratory in the Las Vegas area, potentially linked to an earlier discovery in California that has prompted renewed scrutiny of America’s biosecurity protocols.
The FBI executed a search warrant at a Las Vegas-area vacation rental in early February 2026, investigating what appears to be another unauthorized biological research facility. Investigators believe the site may be connected to a similar lab discovered in Reedley, California, which first triggered biosecurity concerns among federal officials.
House Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford has expressed significant concerns about these unauthorized facilities, highlighting potential gaps in the nation’s biosecurity oversight systems.
“These unregistered labs operating on American soil represent a serious security concern,” Crawford noted in statements reported by Just the News Not the Noise. “The discovery of multiple sites suggests this isn’t an isolated incident, and raises questions about how many other unauthorized facilities might be operating.”
The Reedley investigation began in 2022 when local code enforcement officers stumbled upon a makeshift laboratory containing alarming materials. According to congressional reports, investigators discovered thousands of vials labeled with dangerous pathogens, including HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, hepatitis, and even Ebola. The facility also housed genetically modified mice typically used in controlled research environments.
Officials expressed particular concern about the Reedley lab’s proximity to residential homes, a high school, and a municipal water supply, which elevated the potential public health risks.
Authorities have linked both facilities to Jiabei Zhu, also known as David He, who is currently in federal custody in connection with the Reedley operation. Zhu faces separate fraud charges related to the distribution of unauthorized COVID-19 test kits between August 2020 and March 2023.
According to Department of Justice filings, Zhu allegedly generated over $1.7 million through the sale of these unapproved and misbranded test kits, which were falsely marketed as FDA-authorized and American-made products.
The discovery of a second facility in Las Vegas operating under similar circumstances has intensified congressional scrutiny. Lawmakers have questioned why such operations would be established in residential areas – particularly in a vacation rental property – and what broader objectives might be involved.
Biosecurity experts note that oversight of biological research facilities in the United States involves a patchwork of federal, state, and local regulations. High-containment laboratories dealing with dangerous pathogens typically require specific licensing and regular inspections from multiple agencies, including the CDC and Department of Agriculture.
“Unauthorized biolabs represent a significant challenge because they operate outside established safety protocols and reporting requirements,” said Dr. Eleanor Riggs, a biosecurity specialist at Georgetown University. “The fragmented nature of our oversight system can create opportunities for these operations to go undetected.”
The discoveries come amid heightened attention to biological research safety following the COVID-19 pandemic, which renewed debates about laboratory protocols and the need for transparent international standards.
While federal officials emphasize there is currently no confirmed public health threat from either laboratory, the investigations remain active. The FBI, in coordination with the CDC and local health authorities, continues to analyze materials recovered from both sites to determine the full scope of operations and potential risks.
The case highlights the evolving challenges facing America’s biosecurity infrastructure as technologies become more accessible and the barriers to conducting sophisticated biological research continue to lower.
Congressional committees are expected to hold hearings in the coming months to address potential regulatory gaps and determine whether additional oversight mechanisms are needed to prevent similar unauthorized facilities from operating in residential communities.
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8 Comments
The discovery of these unauthorized labs is deeply concerning. Effective biosecurity protocols are essential to protect public health and national security. I hope the authorities can quickly identify the scope of the problem and implement comprehensive solutions.
Agreed. This situation underscores the need for stronger oversight and enforcement when it comes to sensitive biological research. Decisive action is required to mitigate the risks.
While the details are still emerging, the idea of unregulated biological labs operating in the US is alarming. Proper safeguards and transparency around this type of research are critical. I hope the investigations lead to a swift resolution and tighter controls.
This is certainly concerning. The emergence of unauthorized biological labs raises serious biosecurity risks that need to be addressed. Proper oversight and protocols are essential to ensure public safety and prevent potential misuse or accidents.
I agree. The fact that multiple undocumented facilities have been uncovered suggests there may be more out there. Strengthening biosecurity regulations and enforcement should be a top priority.
This is a troubling development. Uncontrolled biological labs represent a significant threat that requires a robust response. I hope investigators can determine the full scale of the issue and take swift action to shut down any unauthorized facilities.
It’s worrying to see these kinds of unauthorized labs popping up. While the details are still unclear, it’s critical that federal agencies work quickly to identify the full scope of the problem and close any security gaps. Public health and safety must come first.
Absolutely. The potential risks posed by unregulated biological research are too serious to ignore. Proactive measures are needed to ensure proper safeguards are in place across the country.