Two Chinese scientists charged by FBI for smuggling ‘dangerous biological weapon into US' with ‘agroterrorism fungus'
TWO Chinese scientists have been charged for allegedly attempting to smuggle a toxic fungus into the United States.
Authorities have claimed this fungus could be used as a "potential agroterrorism weapon".
3
Jian denied that she was aware of her boyfriend's intent to smuggle the pathogen
Credit: University of Michigan
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The toxins Fusarium graminearum gives off can lead to vomiting, liver damage and reproductive defects in humans and livestock if consumed
Credit: United States District Court
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Prosecutors claim Liu tried to smuggle the fungus through Detroit Airport
Credit: AP
Researchers Jian Yunqing, 33, and Liu Zunyong, 34 face charges of smuggling goods, conspiracy, visa fraud and providing false statements, the US Attorney's Office for the eastern district of Michigan announced on Tuesday.
Prosecutors claim Liu tried to smuggle the fungus through Detroit Airport so he could study it at a University of
Michigan
laboratory.
Jian, Liu's girlfriend, works at this lab, the prosecutors added.
The FBI says the Fusarium graminearum is classified as a "potential agroterrorism weapon" that can cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects in humans and livestock.
read more in world news
This fungus causes billions of dollars worth of damage to livestock and crops globally each year.
Officials have also alleged that Jian's research on the fungus in China got Chinese government funding - and that she is a member of the Chinese Communist Party.
FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X: "This case is a sobering reminder that the CCP is working around the clock to deploy operatives and researchers to infiltrate American institutions and
target
our food supply, which would have grave consequences... putting American lives and our economy at serious risk.
"Your FBI will continue working tirelessly to be on guard against it."
Most read in The US Sun
Liu is alleged to have initially lied about attempting to bring the pathogen into the country in July 2024 before admitting it.
The complaint claims that Jian and Liu had previously studied the fungus in
China
.
Trump doubles steel and aluminium tariffs and threatens China and its 'shoddy' exports in latest trade war escalation
A scientific article was found on Liu's phone titled "Plant-Pathogen Warfare under Changing Climate Conditions", according to the FBI.
Messages between the couple suggest Jian was already studying the pathogen prior to Liu's arrival at the airport, the authority added.
The university does not have the required federal permits to handle the pathogen.
A statement from the university says the institution as not received "funding from the Chinese government in relation to research conducted by the accused individuals".
It adds: "We strongly condemn any actions that seek to cause harm, threaten national security or undermine the university's critical public mission."
What is Fusarium graminearum?
Fusarium graminearum is a fungal pathogen that can be devastating to livestock and crops.
It can ruin a large number of crops, and can cause bight in wheat and barley - making it a major cause for concern.
The pathogen is understood to lead to billions of dollars in losses worldwide each year.
It can also cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects in both humans and livestock.
The potential for large scale crop losses is why is is deemed to be a potential "agroterrorism" agent.
Jian appeared in court yesterday and was returned to jail to await a bond hearing - which is set for Thursday.
The attorney who was assigned only for her initial appearance declined to comment, according to the Associated Press.
But as the US does not have an extradition treaty with China, Liu's arrest is seen as unlikely unless he returns.
US Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr called the allegations a "national security" concern.
He said: "These two aliens have been charged with smuggling a fungus that has been described as a 'potential agroterrorism weapon' into the heartland of America, where they apparently intended to use a University of Michigan laboratory to further their scheme."
It comes after Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged to "aggressively" revoke the visas of Chinese students in the US.
This move, which is part of a broad crackdown on immigration by the Trump administration, has been condemned as "discriminatory" by the Chinese government.
China makes up the second largest number of foreign students in the
United States
, only after India.
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Clare County Coroner, Isobel O'Dea told the mother that the evidence of French tourust Tourgon would answer that question. In her deposition, Tourgon said that she was at the edge of the Cliffs of Moher with her husband and two children at around 1.45pm. She said that they were taking a selfie when a young boy, who was alone, come into view. She said: 'I saw him slipping in the puddle that appears in the photo that my husband sent to the police.' Tourgon added: 'His right foot slipped into the puddle with him trying to stop himself from falling with his left foot, but his left foot ended up in the air.' 'It was very quick – he found himself in an awkward position with his left foot in a void over the cliff and his right knee on the edge of the cliff.' Tourgon added : 'His right knee eventually fell into the void over the cliff, and he was trying to grasp the grass with his hands to pull himself up. He didn't shout and there was no noise.' 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Ms Huang declined to comment on the record when approached after the inquest. The Clare Local Development Company closed off large sections of part of the Cliffs of Moher trail in August last year, and it remains closed off today due to continuing safety concerns. At the time, the Clare Local Development Company confirmed that it was taking the action following the two recent fatal accidents on the Cliffs of Moher trail.
