US$1 million bail set for Harvard professor Charles Lieber, who was charged with hiding China ties
- Chemistry department chair is accused of lying about his participation in China’s Thousand Talents Plan, which targets overseas scientists and researchers
- He allegedly agreed to do research, write articles and apply for patents on behalf of Chinese school for US$50,000 per month and US$150,000 in living expenses
A Harvard University professor charged with lying about his role in a Chinese talent recruitment programme must post a US$1 million cash bond, a judge ruled Thursday.
Lieber is accused of lying about his participation in China’s Thousand Talents Plan, which targets overseas scientists and researchers willing to bring their expertise to China in exchange for things like research funding and lab space.
Prosecutors had proposed setting bond at US$1.5 million secured by Lieber’s suburban Boston home. But Magistrate Judge Marianne Bowler instead ordered Lieber to post a US$1 million cash bond by next Thursday.
Lieber is required to give up his passport and disclose any foreign bank accounts and barred from talking to any potential victims or witnesses in the case, among other things. His wife will also hand over her passport after prosecutors raised concerns that she could move cash to another country.
Prosecutors say Lieber agreed to conduct research, publish articles and apply for patents on behalf of China’s Wuhan University of Technology in exchange for US$50,000 per month and about US$150,000 in living expenses. He also received $1.5 million to establish a research lab at the Chinese university, authorities said.