(LOOTPRESS) – Two Chinese nationals are facing federal charges after allegedly smuggling a dangerous biological pathogen into the United States, raising serious concerns about biosecurity and threats to the nation’s food supply.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 33-year-old Yunqing Jian and 34-year-old Zunyong Liu, both citizens of China, have been charged with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the country, making false statements, and visa fraud.
The case centers on a July 2024 incident at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, where Liu was stopped and found carrying concealed samples of Fusarium graminearum. This crop-destroying fungus causes Fusarium head blight, a disease that affects key grains such as wheat, corn, and barley. It can lead to major agricultural losses and produce toxins dangerous to humans and livestock.
Initially, Liu denied knowing about the pathogen, but later admitted he had smuggled it for use in a University of Michigan lab where Jian was employed. Digital evidence obtained by authorities revealed the pair had previously discussed smuggling biological materials into the U.S.
Jian was later arrested and remains in custody while awaiting a bail hearing. The University of Michigan has stated that Jian’s research was not funded by the Chinese government and that the university is cooperating fully with federal investigators.
Federal officials view the smuggling of Fusarium graminearum as a potential act of agroterrorism due to its capacity to harm staple crops and introduce toxins into the food chain. However, plant disease experts noted that the fungus already exists in the U.S., and its risk depends on whether the smuggled strain has increased resistance or aggressiveness.
The case comes amid growing scrutiny of foreign researchers in the U.S. and increasing tensions between Washington and Beijing, particularly over concerns related to national security, espionage, and bioethics in scientific research.
