Two Chinese nationals have been criminally charged in the United States for attempting to smuggle a dangerous agricultural fungus into the country, intending to study it at a U.S. university, according to the Department of Justice.
Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, are now facing multiple charges, including conspiracy, smuggling, making false statements, and visa fraud, as announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.
The two are accused of trying to illegally bring in Fusarium graminearum, a highly infectious fungus known to cause “head blight”, a disease that severely affects crops such as wheat, rice, maize, and barley. This fungus is not only economically destructive—causing billions of dollars in agricultural losses globally each year—but also a threat to human and animal health, the FBI stated.
What makes Fusarium graminearum so alarming is that it produces toxins capable of causing vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive problems in both people and livestock. Because of its potential impact, the fungus has been flagged in scientific circles as a possible agroterrorism weapon, making its illegal importation a national security concern.
According to the FBI, Jian and Liu, who were romantically involved, had previously worked on this fungus while in China. Investigators say Liu arrived at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in July 2024, where customs agents found red plant material in his bag. At first, he denied knowing anything about it, but after further questioning, he admitted the material was for research tied to a lab at the University of Michigan, where Jian was currently working and he had formerly worked.
What shocked authorities was that, based on text messages and digital evidence, Jian was allegedly already working with the fungus in a university lab, despite the fact that the university did not have proper federal authorization to handle such biohazards.
A search of Liu’s phone revealed a scientific paper titled “Plant-Pathogen Warfare under Changing Climate Conditions”, suggesting a broader interest in how such organisms could be used in hostile or weaponized contexts. The FBI believes this shows the two were far from casual researchers—they were experienced in handling this dangerous material and knew the risks involved.
Following his airport interrogation, Liu was denied entry and deported back to China. Due to the lack of an extradition treaty between the United States and China, U.S. officials say it is unlikely Liu will be brought back to face charges, unless he returns voluntarily.
Jian, who remained in the U.S., was arrested and appeared in court this week. She has been returned to jail and is awaiting a bond hearing scheduled for Thursday. Her legal representation declined to comment on the case at this stage.
U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. did not mince words, describing the incident as a direct threat to national security. He also emphasized that Jian is a member of the Chinese Communist Party, which he framed as relevant to the case.
“These foreign nationals are accused of smuggling a biological threat into the United States—a fungus with the power to damage our food supply and economy,” Gorgon said. “They allegedly aimed to carry out this scheme using a University of Michigan laboratory, turning an academic space into a potential risk zone for American agriculture.”
This case comes amid growing tensions between the United States and China, particularly in the realm of academic and scientific exchanges. Just last week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new restrictions on Chinese student visas, saying the U.S. would begin to “aggressively revoke visas” where national interest is at stake. China has condemned the policy, calling it “unfair and discriminatory.”
The visa crackdown is part of a broader immigration policy shift under the Trump administration, which has also taken actions like revoking visas of people who criticize certain foreign governments and denying entry to officials who restrict American social media platforms.
In a parallel case involving biological materials, Kseniia Petrova, a Russian researcher based at Harvard University, is now facing possible deportation after failing to report biological samples she carried in her luggage while returning from France. Her case is currently under investigation for potential violations of U.S. biosecurity laws.
Description:
"Two Chinese researchers face federal charges for smuggling a dangerous fungus into the U.S., intended for unapproved research at a Michigan university. The fungus, linked to crop destruction and health risks, is considered a potential agroterrorism threat. Authorities are calling it a national security issue."