Chinese scientists accused of smuggling ‘agroterrorism weapon' into US
Two Chinese scientists have been arrested for smuggling a toxic fungus that can be used as an 'agroterrorism weapon' into the United States.
Yunqing Jian, a 33-year-old scientist at the University of Michigan, and her boyfriend, 34-year-old Zunyong Liu are accused of smuggling a fungus called Fusarium graminearum, which can infect food products like wheat, barley and rice with 'head blight', and subsequently cause vomiting, liver damage and reproductive defects in humans and livestock.
The fungus is classified in scientific literature as a 'potential agroterrorism weapon,' the FBI said.
'It is responsible for billions of dollars in economic losses worldwide each year,' the US attorney's office statement added.
The investigation also found that Jian had 'received funding from the Chinese government for similar work on this pathogen in China,' according to a post on X by FBI director Kash Patel.
'The alleged actions of these Chinese nationals – including a loyal member of the Chinese Communist Party – are of the gravest national security concerns,' said US Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr.
Pathogen warfare
Of particular concern was an article that authorities found on Liu's phone titled, 'Plant-Pathogen Warfare under Changing Climate Conditions.'
Liu used to work at a Chinese university where he conducted research on the toxic pathogen, authorities claimed.
It is alleged he had tried to smuggle the fungus through the Detroit airport in July 2024 with the aim of continuing his research alongside Jian at the University of Michigan.
However, authorities found the red plant material in his backpack and sent him back to China. Given that the US and China do not have an extradition treaty, it's unlikely that Liu will face his charges, unless he chooses to return to the US.
Messages between Jian and Liu in 2024 suggest that Jian was already working with Fusarium graminearum at the University of Michigan before Liu was caught in Detroit, the FBI said.
Jian appeared in court and was returned to jail as she waits for her bond hearing on Thursday. Journalists were not allowed inside the courtroom, but reports said that she was handcuffed and shackled at the waist and looked visibly scared as the charges were read.
'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,' said Patel.
They have been charged with conspiracy, smuggling, making false statements and visa fraud, according to the US attorney's office for the eastern district of Michigan.
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