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Two Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, have been charged with conspiracy, smuggling, false statements, and visa fraud after allegedly bringing a dangerous biological pathogen into the United States. The charges, announced by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, involve smuggling the fungus Fusarium graminearum, which is considered a potential agroterrorism weapon.
According to the complaint, Liu attempted to smuggle the fungus through Detroit Metropolitan Airport to study it at a University of Michigan laboratory where Jian worked. The fungus can cause a disease in crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and rice, leading to significant economic losses and health issues in humans and livestock.
Jian reportedly received funding from the Chinese government for her research on the pathogen and is alleged to be a member of the Chinese Communist Party. The U.S. Attorney, Jerome F. Gorgon Jr., described the situation as a grave national security concern, noting the potential impact on America's agricultural economy and public safety.
The FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) conducted the investigation, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding national security. Jian was scheduled to appear in federal court in Detroit for her initial appearance on the complaint.
The University of Michigan stated that it had not received any Chinese government funding related to the accused individuals' research and is cooperating with federal law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.