Chinese Nationals Charged with Smuggling Dangerous Biological Pathogen into U.S. for University Lab Work

Chinese Nationals Charged with Smuggling Dangerous Biological Pathogen into U.S. for University Lab Work

DETROIT, MI — Two Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, have been formally charged with conspiracy, smuggling, false statements, and visa fraud after allegedly bringing a highly dangerous biological pathogen into the United States for research at a University of Michigan laboratory, according to an announcement made by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.

The charges stem from a joint investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), following the discovery that Jian and Liu allegedly smuggled Fusarium graminearum, a toxic fungus, into the country via Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The fungus, widely recognized in scientific literature as a potential agroterrorism agent, causes devastating crop disease known as “head blight,” impacting wheat, maize, barley, and rice and inflicting billions in global agricultural losses annually.

According to the criminal complaint, Jian, who received funding from the Chinese government for her pathogen-related research, was found in possession of electronics containing documents allegedly linking her to the Chinese Communist Party. Her partner, Liu, initially denied involvement but later admitted to smuggling the dangerous pathogen into the U.S. to support research efforts at the University of Michigan, where Jian was employed in a laboratory setting.

“The alleged actions of these Chinese nationals—including a loyal member of the Chinese Communist Party—are of the gravest national security concerns,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon. “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.”

CBP Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon emphasized the national implications: “Today’s charges are indicative of CBP’s critical role in protecting the American people from biological threats that could devastate our agricultural economy and endanger public health. This complex investigation showcases the collaborative strength of our federal law enforcement agencies.”

The FBI arrested Jian in Detroit and she is expected to make her initial appearance in federal court this afternoon. Liu’s legal status and court schedule were not disclosed in the initial release.

Authorities stress that a criminal complaint is not evidence of guilt, and no felony trial can proceed until a federal grand jury returns an indictment. The investigation remains ongoing.

For now, the incident has raised serious concerns about biosecurity, academic research integrity, and potential foreign government influence on scientific activity within the United States.