Xiaofeng Wang, a respected computer science professor at Indiana University, has gone missing along with his wife, Nianli Ma, amid an FBI investigation that involved the raids of their homes. Notably, the couple’s profiles, email accounts, and phone numbers were abruptly removed from the university’s website prior to the FBI’s actions.
Wang, who has dedicated over 20 years to researching topics such as cryptography, privacy, and cybersecurity, held prestigious roles, including associate dean for research at Indiana University’s Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering. Throughout his tenure, he served as the principal investigator on research projects amounting to nearly $23 million.
In recent weeks, there have been significant changes relating to Wang and Ma; that includes the elimination of their digital presence at the university. Reports indicate that on a Friday, a group of unmarked vehicles containing government agents conducted extensive searches at the couple’s home in Bloomington as well as at a secondary residence in Carmel, Indiana. The agents were observed moving boxes in and out of both homes, though details regarding the specific nature of the investigation remain undisclosed.
Concerns have risen in the academic community regarding the mysterious situation. Other researchers have turned to social media to express unease, noting the unusual nature of the events. Notably, Matthew Green, a cryptography professor at Johns Hopkins University, mentioned the oddity of Wang’s disappearance, stating it had gone unnoticed for weeks. Similarly, Matt Blaze from Georgetown University questioned why the university would remove Wang’s digital profile so hastily, emphasizing that such processes typically take more time for tenured faculty.
Eyewitness accounts describe the FBI raid in Carmel, where agents used a megaphone to announce their presence and questioned a woman at the property after taking her phone. The FBI confirmed the execution of a court-authorized measure but disclosed no further details about the investigation or the status of Wang and Ma.
As the search for clarity continues, no official updates from the FBI or the Department of Justice have been provided, leaving many unanswered questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the professor’s disappearance. Anyone with relevant information has been encouraged to reach out for further clarity on the unfolding situation.
