Trial begins for UT researcher accused of hiding ties to China university

The federal trial began Monday for a University of Tennessee researcher accused of hiding his relationship with a Chinese university.

Anming Hu was arrested last year on an indictment alleging three counts of wire fraud and three counts of making false statements.

Hu's family, friends and supporters Monday held a rally to speak out against the case in Knoxville. They contend the case is another example of the U.S. government's "unjust" prosecution of Asian Americans, accusing authorities of singling out scientists of Asian descent and conducting racial profiling.

His wife, Ivy Yang, spoke about the impact his arrest had on their family.

"I couldn't think of what kind of law he could break to ruin his life, to ruin his career and to ruin his beloved family, but his arrest left the family in shambles," she said.

Hu was an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering at UT at the time of his alleged crimes. Federal authorities said that UT has cooperated in the investigation.

He faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count of wire fraud if convicted. Hu may also spend up to five years in prison for each false statement.

The case is part of the Department of Justice's China Initiative, which focuses on countering national security threats.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Varlan is presiding over the trial in Knoxville.