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American Authorities Accuse Two Chinese Scientists of Trying to Bring Fungus Classified as Agroterrorism Weapon to the US.
Two Chinese scientists are at the center of a federal investigation in the United States. They are accused of trying to smuggle a fungus classified as a biological weapon of agroterrorism into American territory.
Formal FBI Accusation
Jian Yunqing, 33, and Liu Zunyong, 34, are the researchers involved.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan announced the charges. Both face accusations of smuggling goods, conspiracy, visa fraud, and providing false statements.
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According to the indictment, Liu tried to enter the United States with the fungus through Detroit Airport.
The intention was to study it in a laboratory at the University of Michigan. Jian, Liu’s girlfriend, was already working in the laboratory.
Investigations indicate that the university lacks the necessary federal authorizations to handle the pathogen.
The Fungus Considered a Biological Weapon
The fungus in question is Fusarium graminearum. It can be devastating for both humans and animals.
According to the FBI, the fungus is classified as a “potential agroterrorism weapon.” Its effects include vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects in humans and animals.
Besides the direct health risks, the fungus also poses a threat to the economy. It can destroy large quantities of crops, causing rust in grains such as wheat and barley.
Global losses are estimated to exceed billions of dollars each year. For these reasons, the pathogen raises significant concern among American authorities.
Chinese Funding and Political Involvement
Investigations also revealed that Jian received funding from the Chinese government for her previous research with the fungus in China.
Additionally, it was found that she is a member of the Chinese Communist Party. This political link heightened the tone among American authorities regarding the case.
The FBI Director, Kash Patel, issued a warning on his social media. “This case is a troubling reminder that the CCP is working day and night to send agents and researchers to infiltrate American institutions and target our food supply, which would have serious consequences… putting American lives and our economy at serious risk,” Patel wrote.
He further promised that the FBI would continue to act to protect the country from these threats.
Investigation Details
According to the FBI, Liu initially lied about transporting the pathogen upon entering the country in July 2024. He later confessed.
Additionally, the indictment states that both had studied the fungus in China before attempting to bring it to the United States.
A scientific article titled “War Between Plants and Pathogens Under Mutant Climate Conditions” was found on Liu’s phone. Message conversations between the couple suggest that Jian had already been working with the fungus before Liu’s arrival at the American airport.
The University of Michigan issued an official statement. The institution stated that it has not received funding from the Chinese government for the projects conducted by the accused.
It also condemned “any actions that seek to cause harm, threaten national security, or undermine the university’s essential public mission.
Legal Developments
Jian appeared in court this week and was returned to jail. Her bail hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
The lawyer appointed for her initial appearance declined to comment on the case, according to the Associated Press.
Liu has not been arrested. As the United States does not have an extradition treaty with China, authorities consider it unlikely that he will be detained unless he voluntarily returns to the country.
Reaction of the American Government
U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. classified the case as a national security threat. “These two aliens have been accused of smuggling a fungus that has been described as a ‘potential agroterrorism weapon’ to the heart of the United States, where they apparently intended to use a laboratory at the University of Michigan to continue their scheme,” he stated.
The accusation comes amid stricter policies regarding the presence of Chinese students in the U.S.
Recently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged to aggressively revoke visas of Chinese students. China, in turn, labeled the measure as discriminatory.
Currently, China is the second country with the most foreign students in the United States, behind only India.
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