US FBI Nears Investigation of University of Texas COVID-19 Vaccine Research Team

Core Member of Research Team from China... Identifies Spark Protein Gene Mutation
Pompeo Labels Houston Chinese Consulate as Center of Intellectual Property Theft

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Reports have emerged that the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) may conduct an investigation into professors and researchers participating in the development of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine at the University of Texas.

According to the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 30th, the University of Texas sent an email to its affiliated professors and researchers on the 27th (local time) stating that "we received a notification of investigation from the FBI last week."

The email contained information that "the FBI may contact researchers in connection with allegations that the Chinese government attempted to illegally obtain research from U.S. universities, including in the field of COVID-19 vaccines."

SCMP reported that this investigation may be related to the closure of the Chinese Consulate General in Houston.

Previously, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized the Chinese consulate in Houston as "a center for espionage activities and intellectual property theft."

SCMP reported that Professor Jason McLellan's molecular biology research team at the University of Texas created synthetic spike proteins used in vaccines by Moderna and Novavax, which are undergoing clinical trials in the United States.

SCMP also reported that one of the key members of this research team is of Chinese origin. The researcher is credited with identifying gene mutations that stabilize the spike protein, SCMP added.

The University of Texas stated, "It is not uncommon for the FBI to speak with researchers if necessary for national security-related investigations," but also urged, "Please report immediately if you receive suspicious emails such as phishing attempts or those from foreign companies."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.