Two Chinese nationals are facing accusations of smuggling a dangerous biological pathogen into the United States for research. According to Reuters, the substance had the potential to be weaponized for agricultural terrorism.
The pathogen, identified as Fusarium graminearum, is classified in scientific literature as a potential agroterrorism weapon, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. This fungus causes “head blight” in crops, leading to billions of dollars in agricultural losses every year.
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Toxins from Fusarium graminearum can also trigger vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive issues in both humans and livestock.
An FBI criminal complaint revealed that Zunyong Liu, 34, a researcher based in China, brought the fungus into the US during a visit to his girlfriend, Yunqing Jian, 33, in July 2024. Liu confessed to smuggling the pathogen to conduct research at the University of Michigan lab where Jian worked. Digital communications between them supported their admissions. The pair now face charges of conspiracy, smuggling, making false statements, and visa fraud.
Authorities say Jian received Chinese government funding for her research on the pathogen while in China. Her electronic devices reportedly contain links to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Cheyvoryea Gibson, special agent in charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, said their actions posed “an imminent threat to public safety.”
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. said,
“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 the heartland of America, where they apparently intended to use a University of Michigan laboratory to further their scheme.”
FBI Director Kash Patel added that the case is a
“sobering reminder” that the Chinese Communist Party is deploying operatives and researchers to infiltrate American institutions and potentially target the country’s food supply.
The FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection jointly conducted the investigation.
This arrest comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and China. Just days earlier, the Trump administration announced plans to “aggressively” revoke the visas of Chinese students and researchers.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the move would affect individuals with links to the Chinese Communist Party or those studying sensitive subjects. He also announced tighter scrutiny of future visa applications from China and Hong Kong.
