The sudden disappearance of Xiaofeng Wang, a respected cybersecurity professor with over two decades at Indiana University, has raised numerous questions, particularly following revelations that he was under investigation regarding research funding potentially linked to China. Sources indicate that prior to his vanishing, Wang faced scrutiny over the origins and disclosure of financial support for his academic work. This inquiry coincided with heightened tensions and increased federal oversight concerning academic collaborations and funding involving foreign entities, especially China, under initiatives like the US Department of Justice's now-defunct China Initiative, which aimed to counter economic espionage but drew criticism for potentially profiling researchers of Chinese descent. The situation escalated dramatically, leading to FBI searches of Wang's home and potentially other locations associated with him and his wife. Shortly after these federal actions, Indiana University abruptly dismissed Wang from his long-held position. The university has remained tight-lipped about the specific reasons for the dismissal and the nature of the investigation, citing privacy concerns and the ongoing nature of the inquiry. This lack of official information has fueled speculation about the precise allegations Wang faced and the evidence uncovered during the searches. The timing of the dismissal, closely following the FBI's involvement, suggests a serious concern on the part of the university administration regarding the findings or the investigation itself. Adding another layer to the mystery, Wang and his wife disappeared following these events. Their whereabouts were unknown for a period, causing significant concern among colleagues and the wider academic community. However, a lawyer representing the couple has since issued a statement asserting that both Xiaofeng Wang and his wife are
