Two Chinese nationals have been charged with smuggling a dangerous fungus, identified as a potential agroterrorism weapon, into the United States. Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, are facing serious allegations including conspiracy, smuggling, providing false statements, and visa fraud. This incident marks the second occasion within a week where a Chinese national affiliated with the University of Michigan has been implicated in a federal case.
Jian, who has worked at the University of Michigan, was arrested in connection with the smuggling of Fusarium graminearum, a harmful pathogen that affects major crops like wheat and maize, responsible for massive global economic losses and has health implications for humans and animals. Officials stated that this fungus was allegedly transported in Jian’s backpack, as she entered the US last year. Liu is associated with a Chinese university and reportedly admitted to initially lying about his role in the smuggling operation that aimed to leverage the University of Michigan’s laboratory for research on the pathogen.
The investigation gleans insights into potential national security risks, as emphasized by US Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. He highlighted concerns regarding Jian’s alleged loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party and connections to the Chinese government, which provided funding for her research in China. Additionally, Jian’s electronics reportedly contained information affirming her connection to the party.
These actions, described as alarming by federal officials, not only raise serious questions regarding the intentions behind such smuggling but also spotlight the collaborative efforts between the FBI and US Customs and Border Protection in addressing these threats. Jian was due to appear in federal court in Detroit, with the University of Michigan approached for further comment on the incident.