Citizens of the People’s Republic of China, Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, have been charged with conspiracy and smuggling a fungus classified as a bioweapon into the United States.
Scientific literature identifies the fungus “Fusarium graminearum” as a potential agroterrorism weapon because it causes “head blight” — a destructive plant disease, according to an announcement Tuesday from the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) in the Eastern District of Michigan.
The statement adds that the disease affects “wheat, barley, maize, and rice, and is responsible for billions of dollars in economic losses worldwide each year.”
Additionally, the noxious fungus produces toxins that “cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects in humans and livestock.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested Jian in connection with allegations related to her and Liu’s smuggling activities, according to the USAO.
“The alleged actions of these Chinese nationals—including a loyal member of the Chinese Communist Party—are of the gravest national security concerns. These two aliens have been charged with smuggling a fungus that has been described as a ‘potential agroterrorism weapon’ into in the heartland of America, where they apparently intended to use a University of Michigan laboratory to further their scheme,” said Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., United States Attorney.
According to the complaint, Jian allegedly received funding from the Chinese government to conduct research on this pathogen in China, the press release noted.
Her electronic devices allegedly contain evidence of her affiliation with and loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the complaint obtained by the USAO said.
The complaint further alleges that Jian’s boyfriend, Liu, is a researcher at a Chinese university studying the same pathogen. (RELATED: Editor Daily Rundown: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent To Meet CCP Officials For Trade Talks)
The complaint alleged he initially denied and then later admitted to smuggling the fungus into the U.S. through Detroit Metropolitan Airport to conduct research at the University of Michigan lab where Jian worked, the press release stated.
“Today’s criminal charges levied upon Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu are indicative of CBP’s critical role in protecting the American people from biological threats that
it involves a researcher from a major university attempting to clandestinely bring potentially harmful biological materials into the United States,” said Marty C. Raybon, Director of Field Operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
“This was a complex investigation involving CBP offices from across the country, alongside our federal partners. I’m grateful for their tireless efforts, ensuring our borders remain secure from all types of threats while safeguarding America’s national security interests,” Raybon added.
Jian will be appearing in federal court Tuesday in Detroit for her initial appearance on the complaint, according to the USAO. (RELATED: Students Reportedly Uncover Chinese Espionage At Top California University)
This case is under investigation by the FBI and CBP.
