By Bill Sizemore The Virginian-Pilot March 21, 2013

The leader of NASA said Wednesday he has ordered a comprehensive review of the space agency's security procedures after the arrest of a Chinese scientist suspected of acquiring sensitive information at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton.

While the review is under way, Administrator Charles Bolden said he has placed a moratorium on access to NASA facilities by foreign nationals from China and other countries subject to national security concerns.

Bo Jiang, a researcher who worked for a NASA Langley contractor, was pulled off a China-bound plane at Dulles International Airport over the weekend and later arrested by FBI agents investigating possible violations of the Arms Export Control Act. He faces a criminal charge of lying to agents about computer hardware he was carrying.

The investigation was spurred by U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Fairfax County, who said he was contacted by whistleblowers concerned about security lapses at NASA. Bolden testified Wednesday before a subcommittee chaired by Wolf that oversees NASA.

Wolf said China poses an "active, aggressive espionage threat" to the United States and suggested that the aeronautics research conducted at NASA Langley would be an attractive target.

"NASA takes your allegations very seriously," Bolden told Wolf. "This is about national security."

Bolden said 192 Chinese nationals who have been working at NASA facilities across the country will be affected by his order.

Asked by Wolf if he would agree to an independent review of NASA security procedures by an outside panel of experts, Bolden said that is his "probable intent," but he wants to complete the internal review first.

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NASA chief orders security review after worker's arrest