An individual, Aili Wang, a graduate student in microbiology from China studying in Wyoming, was taken into custody for allegedly tampering with a colleague’s tea, who had research patents pending. She was apprehended at Los Angeles International Airport on October 6 as she was attempting to leave the country. Wang was found in possession of numerous electronic devices and documents.
Surveillance footage showed Wang searching through the alleged victim’s desk, who was researching disease treatment technology similar to Wang’s previous work in China. Wang is currently detained in Los Angeles without bail.
The poisoning incident was discovered when the alleged victim’s wife and others detected a foreign substance in the water from the coffee maker he used to brew tea. The accused has not appointed legal representation and could not be reached for comments.
Investigation Details
The investigation began after the victim, identified as K.T., experienced symptoms following the discovery of acrylamide in the coffee maker’s water. Surveillance cameras were then set up in the shared office space of Wang and K.T. at the university.
Wang was captured on camera going through K.T.’s desk and handling notebooks and personal items. Allegedly, she was seen rinsing his mug with a liquid from her own mug.
According to the affidavit, Wang and the victim had a strained relationship, with Wang requesting eBay to delete her account after purchasing acrylamide online. Acrylamide, a toxic substance used in microbiology research, was identified in the coffee maker water.
Professor Mark Gomelsky, overseeing both students, expressed shock at the accusations, stating uncertainty about the victim’s full recovery. The victim’s health deteriorated after attending a conference, with symptoms including extreme tiredness and physical weakness.
Alleged Motives
Gomelsky mentioned that Wang, failing her dissertation defense, envied the victim’s success in developing a novel RNA delivery method. The victim’s condition worsened, experiencing neurological symptoms attributed to the poisoning.
The discovery of acrylamide raised suspicions among faculty, as it is not commonly found in such quantities. The victim’s ongoing symptoms, including cognitive and sensory issues, raise concerns about a full recovery.
Wang faces serious charges in Wyoming for aggravated assault and battery, with a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a substantial fine. Bond has been increased, and extradition proceedings are pending.
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