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India Today
15 hours ago
- Health
- India Today
FBI arrests Chinese nationals for smuggling crop-killing pathogen into US
Two Chinese nationals have been arrested and charged in a federal criminal complaint for allegedly smuggling a highly dangerous agricultural pathogen into the United Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, both citizens of the People's Republic of China, face charges of conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, making false statements, and visa fraud, the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan said on to federal prosecutors, Jian and Liu illegally imported Fusarium graminearum, a fungus known to cause head blight, a destructive crop disease affecting wheat, barley, maize, and rice. The pathogen has been responsible for billions of dollars in crop losses globally and produces mycotoxins that can harm both humans and livestock.'This case involves a fungus that poses a serious risk to global food security and public health,' said Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan.'The alleged smuggling of this biological agent into an American research institution by foreign nationals is a matter of grave national security concern.'The fungus was allegedly smuggled into the country via Detroit Metropolitan Airport for use in research at the University of Michigan, where Jian was employed in a allege that Jian received funding from the Chinese government to support related research and had expressed documented loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).Liu, her boyfriend, works at a Chinese university conducting similar pathogen research. While initially denying any involvement, Liu later admitted to bringing the fungus into the to the arrests, FBI chief Kash Patel issued a stark warning about the broader implications of the case.'This fungus can cause head blight, a devastating crop disease responsible for billions in losses globally,' said Kash Patel, who confirmed the arrest in a statement. 'It poses significant health risks to both humans and livestock.'New... I can confirm that the FBI arrested a Chinese national within the United States who allegedly smuggled a dangerous biological pathogen into the individual, Yunqing Jian, is alleged to have smuggled a dangerous fungus called "Fusarium graminearum," which is an— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) June 3, 2025Patel further praised law enforcement efforts, stating, 'Our @FBIDetroit team did excellent work in this case, partnering with @CBP. Justice will be done.'Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Detroit Field Office, emphasized the coordinated effort behind the arrests.'These individuals exploited their access to laboratory facilities at a local university to engage in the smuggling of biological pathogens, an act that posed an imminent threat to public safety,' said to the exceptional investigative work of the FBI Detroit Counterintelligence Task Force, in close cooperation with US Customs and Border Protection, these dangerous activities have been effectively halted.'Jian and Liu are currently in federal custody. If convicted, they face significant prison time and possible removal from the United States. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out additional charges or Watch
CNBC
17 hours ago
- Politics
- CNBC
Chinese couple charged with smuggling a biological pathogen into the U.S.
A Chinese researcher in Michigan and her boyfriend have been charged with smuggling a biological pathogen that "can cause devastating diseases in crops" into the United States, according to federal charging documents unsealed Tuesday. Yunqing Jian, 33, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan, and her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, 34, were charged with multiple counts, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, smuggling goods into the country and making false statements to investigators, the complaint says. Liu was entering the country at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in July when border officers found the pathogen, a fungus known as Fusarium graminearum, in his backpack, according to the complaint. The small clumps of reddish plant material were discovered in four plastic baggies tucked into a wad of tissues. Liu and his girlfriend researched the pathogen as university students in China, the complaint says. Since 2023, Jian had been working at the University of Michigan's Molecular Plant-Microbe Interaction Laboratory. Liu initially told the officers that he did not know what the materials were and that someone must have planted them in his bag, but he then told a different story, the complaint says. "Liu stated that he intentionally hid the samples in his backpack because he knew there were restrictions on the importation of the materials," the complaint says. "Liu confirmed that he had intentionally put the samples in a wad of tissues so CBP Officers would be less likely to find and confiscate them, and he could continue his research in the United States." According to the complaint, Liu also said he planned to use the University of Michigan laboratory to conduct research on the pathogen. When investigators spoke to Jian, she denied knowing anything about Liu's smuggling or plans to research the pathogen, the complaint says. But an examination of Liu's and Jian's electronic devices uncovered WeChat messages from 2022 in which they discussed smuggling seeds into the United States. "I put them in my Martin boots," Liu wrote, according to the complaint. "In a small bag. The ziplock bag. Very small." "That's good," Jian replied, the complaint says. "Just put it in your shoes." At a federal court hearing Tuesday afternoon, a judge ordered Jian to remain behind bars after prosecutors described her as a flight risk. Liu, who was not allowed into the country after the pathogen was allegedly discovered in his backpack, remains at large. The FBI Counterintelligence Division conducted the investigation. "Fusarium graminearum is responsible for billions of dollars in economic losses worldwide each year," the complaint says. "The toxins produced by Fusarium graminearum cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects in livestock and humans." U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon said in a statement: "The alleged actions of these Chinese nationals — including a loyal member of the Chinese Communist Party — are of the gravest national security concerns." The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The University of Michigan said it condemns "any actions that seek to cause harm, threaten national security or undermine the university's critical public mission." "It is important to note that the university has received no funding from the Chinese government in relation to research conducted by the accused individuals," the university added in a statement. "We have and will continue to cooperate with federal law enforcement in its ongoing investigation and prosecution."
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Chinese couple charged with smuggling a biological pathogen into the U.S.
A Chinese researcher in Michigan and her boyfriend have been charged with smuggling a biological pathogen that 'can cause devastating diseases in crops' into the United States, according to federal charging documents unsealed Tuesday. Yunqing Jian, 33, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan, and her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, 34, were charged with multiple counts, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, smuggling goods into the country and making false statements to investigators, the complaint says. Liu was entering the country at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in July when border officers found the pathogen, a fungus known as Fusarium graminearum, in his backpack, according to the complaint. The small clumps of reddish plant material were discovered in four plastic baggies tucked into a wad of tissues. Liu and his girlfriend researched the pathogen as university students in China, the complaint says. Since 2023, Jian had been working at the University of Michigan's Molecular Plant-Microbe Interaction Laboratory. Liu initially told the officers that he did not know what the materials were and that someone must have planted them in his bag, but he then told a different story, the complaint says. 'Liu stated that he intentionally hid the samples in his backpack because he knew there were restrictions on the importation of the materials,' the complaint says. 'Liu confirmed that he had intentionally put the samples in a wad of tissues so CBP Officers would be less likely to find and confiscate them, and he could continue his research in the United States.' According to the complaint, Liu also said he planned to use the University of Michigan laboratory to conduct research on the pathogen. When investigators spoke to Jian, she denied knowing anything about Liu's smuggling or plans to research the pathogen, the complaint says. But an examination of Liu's and Jian's electronic devices uncovered WeChat messages from 2022 in which they discussed smuggling seeds into the United States. 'I put them in my Martin boots,' Liu wrote, according to the complaint. 'In a small bag. The ziplock bag. Very small.' 'That's good,' Jian replied, the complaint says. 'Just put it in your shoes.' At a federal court hearing Tuesday afternoon, a judge ordered Jian to remain behind bars after prosecutors described her as a flight risk. Liu, who was not allowed into the country after the pathogen was allegedly discovered in his backpack, remains at large. The FBI Counterintelligence Division conducted the investigation. 'Fusarium graminearum is responsible for billions of dollars in economic losses worldwide each year,' the complaint says. 'The toxins produced by Fusarium graminearum cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects in livestock and humans.' U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon said in a statement: 'The alleged actions of these Chinese nationals — including a loyal member of the Chinese Communist Party — are of the gravest national security concerns.' The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The University of Michigan said it condemns "any actions that seek to cause harm, threaten national security or undermine the university's critical public mission." "It is important to note that the university has received no funding from the Chinese government in relation to research conducted by the accused individuals," the university added in a statement. "We have and will continue to cooperate with federal law enforcement in its ongoing investigation and prosecution." This article was originally published on
New York Post
20 hours ago
- Health
- New York Post
Chinese national couple charged with smuggling crop-killing fungus into US: ‘Potential agroterrorism weapon'
A Chinese national couple was hit with criminal charges Tuesday for allegedly smuggling a dangerous fungus into the US capable of destroying crops and poisoning humans and livestock. Zunyong Liu, 34, was caught by US Customs and Border Protection officers attempting to smuggle Fusarium graminearum – a biological pathogen considered to be 'a potential agroterrorism weapon' – into the US via the Detroit Metropolitan Airport last July, according to a criminal complaint filed in a federal court in the Eastern District of Michigan. Liu initially made false statements about his visit to the US and his knowledge of the pathogen before admitting to law enforcement that he was bringing the noxious fungus to his girlfriend, 33-year-old University of Michigan lab researcher Yunqing Jian, according to authorities. Advertisement 4 The fungus was discovered by Customs and Border Protection agents at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport last July. United States District Court , for the , Eastern District of Michigan The complaint alleges that Jian received 'Chinese government funding for her work' on Fusarium graminearum in China and that she is a loyal member of the Chinese Communist Party. Meanwhile, Liu 'works at a Chinese university where he conducts research on the same pathogen.' Advertisement Jian denied that she was aware of her boyfriend's intent to smuggle the pathogen during an interview with the FBI, but an investigation determined that the couple 'discussed the shipping of biological materials and research being done in the laboratory' ahead of Liu's arrival in Detroit. Evidence also suggests Jian has been involved in the 'smuggling packages of biological material into the United States on prior occasions,' according to the complaint. The couple will face conspiracy, smuggling, false statements and visa fraud charges, US Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. announced Tuesday. 'The alleged actions of these Chinese nationals — including a loyal member of the Chinese Communist Party — are of the gravest national security concerns,' Gorgon said in a statement. Advertisement '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,' he added. 4 Evidence obtained by authorities included in the criminal complaint against Jian and Liu. United States District Court , for the , Eastern District of Michigan Fusarium graminearum can contaminate wheat, barley, maize and rice crops with a disease known as 'head blight,' which is responsible for billions of dollars in economic losses worldwide each year, according to the Justice Department. The toxins Fusarium graminearum gives off can lead to vomiting, liver damage and reproductive defects in humans and livestock if consumed. Advertisement 4 The fungus has the potential to be used as an 'agroterrorism weapon,' according to the DOJ. United States District Court , for the , Eastern District of Michigan 'The federal charges announced today against Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, both residents of the People's Republic of China, signify a crucial advancement in our efforts to safeguard our communities and uphold national security,' Cheyvoryea Gibson, special agent in charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, said in a statement. 'These individuals exploited their access to laboratory facilities at a local university to engage in the smuggling of biological pathogens, an act that posed an imminent threat to public safety.' Jian is slated to make her initial appearance at a federal courthouse in Detroit this afternoon. 4 The University of Michigan said the work being done by the accused at the lab was not funded by the Chinese government. wolterke – In a statement, the University of Michigan said it received 'no funding from the Chinese government in relation to research conducted by the accused individuals' and that it has and will continue to 'cooperate with federal law enforcement in its ongoing investigation and prosecution.' 'We strongly condemn any actions that seek to cause harm, threaten national security or undermine the university's critical public mission,' the university said.
NBC News
20 hours ago
- Politics
- NBC News
Chinese couple charged with smuggling a biological pathogen into the U.S.
A Chinese researcher in Michigan and her boyfriend have been charged with smuggling a biological pathogen that 'can cause devastating diseases in crops' into the United States, according to federal charging documents unsealed Tuesday. Yunqing Jian, 33, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan, and her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, 34, were charged with multiple counts, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, smuggling goods into the country and making false statements to investigators, the complaint says. Liu was entering the country at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in July when border officers found the pathogen, a fungus known as Fusarium graminearum, in his backpack, according to the complaint. The small clumps of reddish plant material were discovered in four plastic baggies tucked into a wad of tissues. Liu and his girlfriend researched the pathogen as university students in China, the complaint says. Since 2023, Jian had been working at the University of Michigan's Molecular Plant-Microbe Interaction Laboratory. Liu initially told the officers that he did not know what the materials were and that someone must have planted them in his bag, but he then told a different story, the complaint says. 'Liu stated that he intentionally hid the samples in his backpack because he knew there were restrictions on the importation of the materials,' the complaint says. 'Liu confirmed that he had intentionally put the samples in a wad of tissues so CBP Officers would be less likely to find and confiscate them, and he could continue his research in the United States.' According to the complaint, Liu also said he planned to use the University of Michigan laboratory to conduct research on the pathogen. When investigators spoke to Jian, she denied knowing anything about Liu's smuggling or plans to research the pathogen, the complaint says. But an examination of Liu's and Jian's electronic devices uncovered WeChat messages from 2022 in which they discussed smuggling seeds into the United States. 'I put them in my Martin boots,' Liu wrote, according to the complaint. 'In a small bag. The ziplock bag. Very small.' 'That's good,' Jian replied, the complaint says. 'Just put it in your shoes.' At a federal court hearing Tuesday afternoon, a judge ordered Jian to remain behind bars after prosecutors described her as a flight risk. Liu, who was not allowed into the country after the pathogen was allegedly discovered in his backpack, remains at large. The FBI Counterintelligence Division conducted the investigation. 'Fusarium graminearum is responsible for billions of dollars in economic losses worldwide each year,' the complaint says. 'The toxins produced by Fusarium graminearum cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects in livestock and humans.' U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon said in a statement: 'The alleged actions of these Chinese nationals — including a loyal member of the Chinese Communist Party — are of the gravest national security concerns.' The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The University of Michigan said it condemns "any actions that seek to cause harm, threaten national security or undermine the university's critical public mission." "It is important to note that the university has received no funding from the Chinese government in relation to research conducted by the accused individuals," the university added in a statement. "We have and will continue to cooperate with federal law enforcement in its ongoing investigation and prosecution."
