Two Chinese Nationals Charged for Smuggling Dangerous Pathogen into the US

Charges Filed Against Chinese Nationals

The US Department of Justice has charged two Chinese individuals, Yunqing Jian (33) and Zunyong Liu (34), for allegedly smuggling a hazardous biological pathogen into the United States for research at the University of Michigan Laboratory. The charges include conspiracy, smuggling goods into the country, making false statements, and visa fraud.

The FBI apprehended Jian in connection with the smuggling of a fungus known as Fusarium graminearum, which is identified in scientific literature as a potential agroterrorism threat. This fungus is responsible for 'head blight,' a disease affecting wheat, barley, maize, and rice, leading to significant economic losses estimated in billions of dollars annually.

Details of the Allegations

According to the Justice Department's announcement, Jian received funding from the Chinese government for her research on this pathogen. Evidence from Jian's electronics suggests her affiliation and loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The complaint further alleges that Liu, Jian's boyfriend, is employed at a Chinese university where he also conducts research on the same pathogen. Initially denying the allegations, Jian later confessed to smuggling Fusarium graminearum into the US via Detroit Metropolitan Airport to conduct research at the University of Michigan, where she was employed.

National Security Concerns

US Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. expressed that the actions of these individuals, particularly given Jian's ties to the CCP, raise serious national security alarms. He stated, 'These two individuals have been charged with smuggling a fungus described as a potential agroterrorism weapon into the heart of America, where they intended to utilize a University of Michigan laboratory for their activities.'

Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, emphasized that the federal charges against Jian and Liu mark a significant step in protecting communities and maintaining national security. He noted that their access to university laboratory facilities was exploited to smuggle biological pathogens, posing a direct threat to public safety.

Ongoing Investigations

Jian is scheduled to appear in federal court in Detroit for her initial hearing regarding the charges. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrest, labeling it a 'sobering reminder' of the CCP's efforts to infiltrate American institutions and target the US food supply.

In a post on social media, Patel stated, 'I can confirm that the FBI arrested a Chinese national within the United States who allegedly smuggled a dangerous biological pathogen into the country. The individual, Yunqing Jian, is accused of bringing in Fusarium graminearum, an agroterrorism agent, for research at the University of Michigan, where she is employed. This fungus can lead to head blight, affecting various crops and causing significant health issues in humans and livestock, resulting in billions of dollars in economic losses globally each year.'