The U.S. Justice Department announced on Tuesday that two Chinese nationals have been charged for allegedly smuggling an invasive fungus, known scientifically as “Fusarium graminearum,” into the United States.
This pathogen has been classified as a potential agroterrorism weapon due to its capability to cause significant agricultural damage.
Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, both citizens of the People’s Republic of China, are accused of receiving funding from the Chinese government for their research endeavors, which included work conducted at the University of Michigan.
According to the Justice Department, the complaint details that Jian’s electronic devices contained information that indicated her affiliation and loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party.
It is also alleged that Liu, who is employed at a Chinese university, originally lied about smuggling the fungus but later admitted to bringing it into the U.S. through the Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
He allegedly intended to use the fungus for research at the laboratory where Jian works.
Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that the Justice Department’s top priority is safeguarding the American public and protecting the nation from foreign threats.
She stated, “The defendant, who secretly tried to introduce a harmful substance into the United States, will now face the consequences of his actions, including potential years behind bars.”
The FBI has reported that Fusarium graminearum causes “head blight,” a devastating disease that affects crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and rice, leading to billions of dollars in economic losses globally.
U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgan labeled the actions of Jian and Liu as significant national security threats, particularly highlighting Liu’s connection to the Chinese Communist Party.
Gorgan noted that these individuals have been charged with smuggling a biological agent described as a potential threat to agricultural stability directly into America.
He stated, “Today’s charges against Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu exemplify CBP’s critical role in shielding the American populace from biological threats that could devastate our agricultural economy and harm people. ”
In a further statement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Director of Field Operations, Marty C. Raybon, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of preventing the importation of potentially dangerous biological substances.
Jian is expected to appear in federal court in Detroit for her initial hearing regarding the complaint.
The affidavit alleges that Jian and Liu were not only in a romantic relationship but were also engaged in research on the fungus.
When confronted by authorities at the Detroit airport concerning the smuggling allegations, both individuals reportedly provided false information.
On July 27, 2024, when Liu entered the U.S., he initially claimed he was visiting his girlfriend and intended to return to China to establish his own laboratory.
He denied possessing any work materials; however, a secondary screening of his baggage revealed concealed tissues, a note in Chinese, a round piece of filter paper marked with circles, and four plastic baggies containing small clumps of reddish plant material.
Initially, Liu claimed ignorance regarding how these samples ended up in his luggage, suggesting they may have been planted there by someone else.
However, after further questioning, he admitted to intentionally concealing the samples in his backpack due to the known restrictions on importing such materials into the U.S.
The complaint reveals that Liu had strategically hidden the samples in tissue paper to avoid detection by Customs and Border Protection officers, allowing him to proceed with his research in the United States.
The case underscores the severe implications his actions could have had on U.S. agriculture and national security, prompting significant legal action following this incident.
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