In the quiet hours of early Saturday morning, a northeast Las Vegas neighborhood became the focal point of a federal and local law enforcement operation. Authorities, including the FBI, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, SWAT units, and HazMat teams, converged on a residential property, executing a raid that would uncover a hidden and potentially dangerous operation.
Inside the suburban home, officials discovered what appeared to be an operational illegal biological laboratory. Equipped with refrigerators and vials containing unknown liquids, along with suspected biological material, the scene prompted a meticulous and coordinated response to ensure public safety and the integrity of the investigation.
The property manager, 55-year-old Ori Solomon, was arrested on felony charges related to the improper disposal of hazardous waste. The severity of the situation became apparent as investigators began to unravel the full scope of potential criminal activity associated with the site.
Over 1,000 samples seized from the residence are currently being transported to federal laboratories for thorough analysis. As pieces of the puzzle are put together, records have revealed that the property is owned by “David Destiny Discovery, LLC,” a shell company with ties to Jia Bei Zhu, also known as David He. Zhu, a Chinese national, has been previously implicated in a similar illegal biolab operation in Reedley, California, which was exposed in 2023.
The Reedley facility was a hive of alarming bioactivity, housing thousands of biological samples, refrigeration units, and both live and deceased mice. Investigators found potential pathogens such as HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, and dengue fever on-site. Zhu remains in federal custody in connection with the California case, according to reports by The Gateway Pundit.
Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill described the Las Vegas operation as "extremely complex," noting the need for meticulous handling of potentially hazardous materials. While there is no immediate threat to the public, the technical nature of the substances involved means the investigation could be protracted.
Federal officials have confirmed a direct link between the Las Vegas property and the California biolab. The FBI is leading the laboratory analysis, employing specialized facilities capable of safely handling hazardous biological agents.
The discovery of this laboratory has sparked concern among lawmakers regarding biosecurity vulnerabilities. Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) highlighted that the incident points to loopholes in federal oversight and has called on Congress to pass legislation to strengthen monitoring of high-risk pathogens and target illegal laboratories.
In 2023, the investigation into the Reedley facility, operated under a Nevada-registered company, Prestige BioTech, revealed alarming deficiencies in federal oversight and the potential for significant public health risks. The Las Vegas discovery underscores the ongoing challenge of preventing unauthorized handling of dangerous biological materials.
As federal and state agencies collaborate to determine whether criminal violations involving pathogens have occurred, safety and containment measures are being scrutinized. Lawmakers are advocating for stricter regulations under proposals such as the "Preventing Illegal Laboratories and Protecting Public Health Act of 2025," aiming to fortify federal control over high-containment labs.
While investigators continue their work, authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and cautious, reassuring that there is no current risk to the surrounding community. The case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threats posed by illegal biological operations and the critical need for robust oversight to safeguard public safety.
