Federal prosecutors have accused two Chinese scientists of attempting to smuggle a hazardous fungus into the country, raising concerns about potential agroterrorism.

Jian Yunqing, 33, and Liu Zunyong, 34, face multiple charges, including smuggling, conspiracy, visa fraud, and making false statements, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.

authorities allege that Liu attempted to transport the fungus through Detroit Airport, intending to study it at a University of Michigan lab where Jian, his girlfriend, also worked.

The FBI has identified the fungus, Fusarium graminearum, as a “potential agroterrorism weapon” due to its capacity to cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive problems in humans and animals.

The pathogen inflicts billions of dollars in damage to crops and livestock worldwide annually.

Details of the Alleged Smuggling Attempt

Officials stated that Jian’s research on the fungus in China was funded by the Chinese government, and she is allegedly a member of the Chinese Communist Party.

“These two aliens have been charged with smuggling a fungus that has been described as a ‘potential agroterrorism weapon’ into the heartland of America.”

FBI Director Kash Patel stated in a post on X that “This case is a sobering reminder that the CCP is working around the clock to deploy operatives and researchers to infiltrate American institutions and target our food supply,which would have grave consequences… putting American lives and our economy at serious risk.”

Liu initially denied attempting to bring the pathogen into the US in July 2024 before admitting to it, according to reports.

The complaint also indicates that Jian and Liu had previously studied the fungus in China.

The FBI discovered a scientific article titled “Plant-Pathogen Warfare under Changing Climate Conditions” on Liu’s phone.

Messages between the couple suggest Jian was already studying the pathogen before Liu’s arrival at the airport, according to authorities.

The university clarified that it lacks the necessary federal permits to handle the pathogen and stated that the institution has not received “funding from the chinese government in relation to research conducted by the accused individuals.”

The university added: “We strongly condemn any actions that seek to cause harm, threaten national security or undermine the university’s critical public mission.”

Legal Proceedings and Reactions

Jian appeared in court and was detained awaiting a bond hearing. The attorney assigned for her initial appearance declined to comment, according to the Associated Press.

Given the absence of an extradition treaty between the US and China,Liu’s arrest is considered unlikely unless he returns to the US.

US Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. described the allegations as a “national security” concern, stating, “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.”

The charges follow Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s pledge to “aggressively” revoke the visas of Chinese students in the US, a move criticized as “discriminatory” by the Chinese government.

China represents the second-largest group of foreign students in the United States, following India.