On Thursday, two Chinese citizens, Biqi “Ashley” Huang, 25, and Wentian Du, 35, appeared in court for the first time in the Eastern District of Missouri Federal Prosecutor’s Office and pleaded not guilty to charges of naturalization fraud and illegal possession of firearms.
According to the indictment, these two Chinese individuals, Huang and Du, were charged by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Missouri on September 9th.
The case unfolded after Huang initiated the process to join the United States Air Force, leading to an investigation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) spearheaded the investigation, with assistance from the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
Huang faces charges of making false statements in the naturalization process and fraudulently obtaining firearms.
The indictment revealed that Huang made false statements regarding her marital status during an immigration interview and related applications in October 2025. Additionally, she made false sworn statements in the naturalization process from August 2025 to July 2026.
Huang entered the U.S. on a student visa in July 2023 to pursue graduate studies in St. Louis. She got married in May 2024 and subsequently obtained lawful permanent resident status.
The detention motion for Huang indicated that she moved to New York in 2025 and met Du there.
Subsequently, Huang applied to join the U.S. Air Force, informing a recruiter that she wished to enlist to expedite her path to U.S. citizenship, then divorce and marry Du.
Furthermore, when Du purchased firearms, Huang completed a form falsely claiming to be the actual purchaser of the firearms.
Du faces a charge of illegal firearm possession.
Court documents revealed that Du was granted a B1/B2 non-immigrant visa in September 2022, entered the U.S. on October 2 of the same year, and applied for asylum about a year later.
The detention motion stated that Du was charged with illegal firearm possession between June 1 and August 26, 2026.
During the investigation, FBI agents found that Du had attempted to purchase a firearm on October 18, 2025, a transaction that was denied. Du was informed of the rejection reasons at that time.
Subsequently, Du rented firearms at least 13 times. His credit card was also used to purchase a 9mm caliber handgun on May 29, 2026.
Prosecutors alleged that Huang filled out the firearm purchase form claiming to be the purchaser.
Upon conviction for making false statements in the naturalization process, a maximum of 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, can be imposed. For firearms-related charges, each offense carries a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lang is responsible for prosecuting this case.
It is important to note that the charges listed in the indictment are allegations and do not constitute evidence of guilt. Both Chinese citizens are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Public records from the Department of Justice do not accuse them of any espionage, intelligence, or activities for the Chinese Communist government.