In a new case that puts the spotlight on national security risks posed by foreign nationals, two Chinese researchers have been charged after attempting to smuggle a dangerous fungus into the United States.
See the tweet below!
With the fungus considered a potential “agroterrorism weapon,” these actions are a glaring reminder of the threats facing our agricultural sector.
This case underscores the urgent need for vigilance in protecting America’s interests.
The U.S. Justice Department has charged Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, both Chinese researchers, with attempting to introduce Fusarium graminearum into the country.
The fungus causes head blight, a disease known to devastate crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and rice.
The impact of this pathogen could be particularly severe for American farmers, with head blight already a challenge in 32 states across the nation.
The Justice Department’s move comes at a time of heightened US-China tensions, as the Trump administration works to revoke visas of Chinese nationals to prevent espionage and technological theft.
U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. warns that these actions by Jian and Liu pose serious national security concerns, stressing the fungus could serve as an agroterrorism weapon.
Yunqing Jian was apprehended in Detroit, while Zunyong Liu is believed to have returned to China, eluding immediate arrest.
Liu initially denied any knowledge of the concealed materials found in his luggage but later confessed to smuggling the fungus through Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
The scheme appears to involve further research at the University of Michigan, where Jian is a researcher.
“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 could devastate our agricultural economy and cause harm to humans; especially when it involves a researcher from a major university attempting to clandestinely bring potentially harmful biological materials into the United States,” said U.S. Custom and Border Protection, Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon.
The current case is a piece of a broader strategy by the US to limit Chinese nationals from supposedly pilfering scientific data from American institutions.
The couple faced charges of conspiracy, smuggling, making false statements, and visa fraud, without the required USDA permit for pathogen importation.
Investigation reveals that Jian’s association with the Chinese Communist Party was known, alongside her awareness of Liu’s smuggling activity.
U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. labeled the actions of these researchers as “the gravest national security concerns.”
The ongoing investigations have uncovered WeChat communications proving Jian’s involvement, where she expressed her intent to mislead officials.
Liu later admitted his deceit, confirming he sought to continue his research at the University of Michigan under the guise of academic work.
The Department of Justice’s press release added that Jian’s loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party complicates the matter further.
As Jian prepares to face federal court in Detroit, these developments highlight the necessity of stringent measures to curb such threats to American security and prosperity.
The vigilance of agencies like the Department of Justice and U.S. Customs and Border Protection remains a vital barrier protecting our nation’s interests.
Two Chinese scientists arrested for smuggling toxic fungus into US https://t.co/lZFXfBqmTn pic.twitter.com/qWR2p2TjCn
— The Independent (@Independent) June 4, 2025
