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”.
Jian Yunqing, 33, and Liu Zunyong, 34, are being accused of smuggling goods, conspiracy, visa fraud, and providing false statements, as per the announcement made by the US Attorney’s Office for the eastern district of Michigan 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 has labeled Fusarium graminearum as a potential agroterrorism weapon, capable of causing symptoms like vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive issues in both humans and livestock.
This fungus causes billions of dollars worth of damage to livestock and crops globally each year.
Authorities claim that Jian received funding from the Chinese government for her research on the fungus in China and that she is associated with 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.”
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.
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.
