News Summary

Two Chinese nationals face multiple charges, including smuggling a dangerous fungus, Fusarium graminearum, into the U.S., posing risks to agriculture and health. The case reflects heightened national security concerns, as one suspect attempted to deliver the pathogen to a researcher, leading to significant investigations by federal authorities.

Detroit, MI – Two Chinese nationals, Zunyong Liu, 34, and Yunqing Jian, 33, have been charged with multiple crimes, including smuggling a dangerous biological pathogen into the United States. The fungus in question, Fusarium graminearum, poses significant threats to crops, livestock, and human health.

Liu was apprehended while attempting to smuggle the fungus through Detroit Metropolitan Airport in July 2024. At first, he made false statements regarding the purpose of his visit to the U.S. but eventually admitted that he intended to deliver the fungus to Jian, his girlfriend and a researcher at the University of Michigan.

Both Liu and Jian are facing charges of conspiracy, smuggling, making false statements, and visa fraud. Authorities have indicated that their actions represent serious national security threats. U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. has remarked on the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the potential dangers associated with the smuggled fungus.

Fusarium graminearum is known for causing “head blight” in vital crops like wheat, barley, maize, and rice, leading to severe economic losses. The fungus also produces toxins that can cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects in humans and animals. This underscores the urgency of the authorities’ efforts to prevent such pathogens from entering the country.

Authorities conducted a thorough investigation into the couple’s activities prior to the smuggling attempt. They found evidence indicating that Jian had engaged in discussions about biological materials and research plans with Liu before his arrival in the U.S. Furthermore, messages exchanged between the pair suggested that Jian had been handling Fusarium graminearum in her laboratory prior to Liu’s arrest.

Jian has reportedly secured funding from the Chinese government for her research on Fusarium graminearum in China, and she is identified as a loyal member of the Chinese Communist Party. Liu, on the other hand, is employed at a Chinese university where he also conducts research on the same pathogen.

In a related incident, Liu had previously been turned away at the Detroit airport after he provided inconsistent explanations concerning red plant material discovered in his backpack. This inconsistency may have raised suspicions leading to further investigation into his subsequent attempt to smuggle the fungus.

The U.S. does not have an extradition treaty with China, presenting potential complications regarding Liu’s legal future unless he returns to the United States. Current conditions surrounding international student visas are also under scrutiny, as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is advocating for the revocation of visas for Chinese students in light of increasing concerns over national security and research integrity.

In the meantime, the University of Michigan has issued a statement clarifying that it does not possess federal permits to handle Fusarium graminearum and has been cooperative with law enforcement officials throughout the investigation.

The investigation is a collaborative effort involving the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, highlighting the significant resources dedicated to safeguarding U.S. agricultural and public health from foreign biological threats. The case against Liu and Jian signals a heightened level of scrutiny and vigilance concerning potential threats to national security.