Two Chinese nationals have been arrested and charged in the United States following allegations of smuggling a highly dangerous agricultural pathogen into the country. According to a statement from the US Department of Justice, Yunqing Jian (33) and Zunyong Liu (34) &ndash; both allegedly linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) &ndash; face multiple federal charges, including conspiracy, smuggling, visa fraud, and making false statements.
The pathogen in question is Fusarium graminearum, a fungus classified as an agroterrorism agent due to its severe impact on agriculture. It causes a disease known as "head blight," which affects vital crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and rice. The disease not only threatens food security but also poses health risks to both humans and livestock, resulting in billions of dollars in economic losses globally each year.
According to the FBI's criminal complaint, Liu, a researcher based in China, smuggled the fungus into the United States during a visit to see his girlfriend, Yunqing Jian, in July 2024. Jian, who is employed at the University of Michigan, allegedly facilitated Liu&rsquo;s access to the laboratory facilities where the pathogen was to be studied. Electronic communications between the pair confirmed their joint involvement in the scheme.
Investigators revealed that Jian had previously received funding from the Chinese government for her research on this pathogen in China. Forensic analysis of her electronic devices uncovered further evidence of her ties to the CCP.
Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI&rsquo;s Detroit Field Office, stated: &ldquo;The federal charges filed today against Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu represent a significant step forward in protecting our communities and reinforcing national security. These individuals exploited their access to academic research facilities to smuggle a biological threat into the country&mdash;an act that posed an imminent danger to public safety.&rdquo;
FBI Director Kash Patel echoed the gravity of the case, calling it &ldquo;a sobering reminder&rdquo; of the CCP's efforts to infiltrate American institutions and potentially disrupt the nation&rsquo;s food supply. He emphasised the importance of ongoing vigilance, especially amid growing concerns over foreign influence in US research and academia.
Jian is scheduled to make her initial appearance in federal court in Detroit this afternoon. Both she and Liu remain in federal custody. If convicted, they face substantial prison sentences and possible deportation.
The joint investigation, led by the FBI and US Customs and Border Protection, is ongoing. Authorities have not ruled out additional charges or the involvement of other accomplices.
This incident unfolds against the backdrop of increasingly strained US-China relations, and just days after the Trump administration pledged to "aggressively" revoke the visas of Chinese students and researchers suspected of posing a national security risk.
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US DOJ charges Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu with smuggling and visa fraud, linked to CCP

Two Chinese Charged for Smuggling Pathogen in US

US DOJ charges Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu with smuggling and visa fraud, linked to CCP

June 4, 2025 | 15:17 IST