FBI Director Kash Patel has issued a warning regarding the recent charges against two Chinese nationals, highlighting the national security implications of their alleged activities.
The case involves Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, who face accusations of smuggling a ‘dangerous biological pathogen’ into the United States, intending to conduct research at the University of Michigan.
Patel described this situation as a significant national security threat to America’s food supply, emphasizing the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party in targeting U.S. institutions.
“This case is a sobering reminder that the Chinese Communist Party continues to deploy operatives and researchers to infiltrate our institutions and target our food supply, an act that could cripple our economy and endanger American lives,” Patel stated in a statement.
The two individuals were charged with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, making false statements, and visa fraud, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan.
The investigation into their activities was carried out by the FBI in collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The couple allegedly smuggled a fungus known as Fusarium graminearum, which the scientific community recognizes as a ‘potential agroterrorism weapon,’ according to the Justice Department.
This fungus is responsible for ‘head blight,’ a disease that affects essential crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and rice, leading to billions of dollars in economic losses globally each year.
In addition to economic ramifications, the Department of Justice has noted that the toxins produced by fusarium graminearum can result in severe health issues, including vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects in both humans and livestock.
Details in the criminal complaint reveal that Jian, a 33-year-old research fellow, had previously received funding from the Chinese government for her work on this pathogen in China.
Moreover, the complaint indicates that Jian’s electronics contained information about her affiliation with and loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party.
Liu, 34, is described as working at a Chinese university, where he engaged in research on the same pathogen.
The criminal complaint further alleges that he initially lied about smuggling the fungus into the United States but later admitted to doing so through the Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
Liu’s purported objective was to conduct research on the pathogen at the University of Michigan’s laboratory, where Jian was employed.
Jian has been arrested in connection with these allegations and was set to appear in federal court in Detroit.
The status of Liu’s custody remains unclear at this point.
U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon expressed grave concern over the implications of their actions.
“The alleged actions of these Chinese nationals – including a loyal member of the Chinese Communist Party – are of the gravest national security concerns,” he stated.
Gorgon noted that the pair had attempted to introduce a harmful fungus into a significant American institution, aiming to further a potentially dangerous scheme.
CBP Director of Field Operations Marty Raybon highlighted the importance of their role in safeguarding the American populace from biological threats that could devastate the agricultural sector and inflict harm on humans.
He commended the thorough efforts of various federal agencies involved in the operation.
“This was a complex investigation involving CBP offices from across the country, alongside our federal partners,” Raybon noted.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Jian was still listed as a post-doctoral research fellow on the University of Michigan’s official website.
Fox News Digital reached out to the University for comments but did not receive an immediate response.
The Justice Department clarified that proceedings against the suspects could not proceed with felony charges based solely on a complaint.
The decision regarding whether to pursue a felony indictment will be made upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.
This incident occurred amidst broader concerns from the Trump administration about alleged anti-American radicals at U.S. universities, specifically targeting foreign students participating in antisemitic or anti-Israel protests.
Recently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that student visas for Chinese nationals would be revoked more aggressively, particularly those associated with the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields.
In connection with Harvard University, the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement accused the institution of potentially collaborating with the Chinese Communist Party and other adversaries.
This case continues to raise eyebrows regarding the safety and security of U.S. institutions against foreign infiltration.
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