U.S. federal authorities have charged two Chinese nationals with smuggling a dangerous biological pathogen into the country, allegedly posing a significant threat to national agriculture and public safety.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the duo—Zunyong Liu (34) and Yunqing Jian (33)—are accused of illegally importing Fusarium graminearum, a fungus known to cause head blight in crops like wheat and barley. The pathogen is widely recognized in scientific circles as a potential agroterrorism weapon due to its capacity to cause devastating agricultural losses. Globally, this fungus is responsible for billions of dollars in economic damage annually.
The FBI’s criminal complaint states that Liu, currently based in China, smuggled the fungus during a visit to the U.S. in July 2024, where he stayed with Jian, his girlfriend and a researcher at the University of Michigan. Liu reportedly admitted to bringing the sample for research purposes at the university lab.
Further examination of electronic communications revealed that the pair had discussed shipping biological materials and conducting research with them prior to Liu’s arrival. The complaint lists charges including conspiracy, smuggling, false statements, and visa fraud.
FBI Special Agent Cheyvoryea Gibson emphasized that the couple’s actions “posed an imminent threat to public safety.” Jian was scheduled to appear in a Detroit court, where a public defender was appointed to represent her.
The University of Michigan has not issued a comment as investigations continue.
