Authorities Probe Suspected Biolab With Alleged China Ties Found in Las Vegas Home

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – Authorities are investigating a suspected biological laboratory discovered inside a Las Vegas residence, with potential links to a previously uncovered unauthorized lab in California.

According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, SWAT officers served a search warrant Saturday at a home on the city’s east side after receiving a tip about possible biolab activity. Sheriff Kevin McMahill said investigators recovered more than 1,000 items containing “potential biological and hazardous materials,” primarily from a locked garage. Officials emphasized there is no threat to the public.

Police arrested the property manager, 55-year-old Ori Solomon, on charges related to disposing and discharging hazardous waste. Authorities used a robot, collected air samples, and deployed hazmat teams to safely secure evidence, including refrigerators with vials of unknown liquids, gallon-size containers, a centrifuge, and other laboratory equipment. Some samples were sent to Federal Bureau of Investigation laboratories for analysis.

Investigators identified the home’s owner as Jia Bei Zhu, who is currently in federal custody in connection with an unauthorized biolab discovered in 2023 in Reedley. Zhu faces federal charges alleging the manufacture and distribution of misbranded medical tests without proper permits. His attorney said Zhu is not involved in the Las Vegas case.

The Reedley investigation previously drew national attention after authorities found extensive lab equipment, medical freezers, and roughly 1,000 genetically modified mice used for disease research inside a warehouse owned by Zhu’s company, Universal Meditech Inc.. A report by the House Select Committee on the People’s Republic of China alleged Zhu had ties to the Chinese government and involvement in a transnational criminal enterprise.

In an interview Tuesday, FBI Director Kash Patel said approximately 1,000 samples from the Las Vegas home are undergoing analysis. Authorities said further charges could follow once testing is complete.

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