Charges Against Chinese Nationals for Smuggling Dangerous Fungus
Two citizens from China have been charged with conspiracy and smuggling a type of fungus that authorities consider a “dangerous biological pathogen” into the U.S.
Yunqing Jian, 33, and 34-year-old Zunyong Liu were indicted on charges including conspiracy, making false statements, and visa fraud on Tuesday, as reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.
Jian was taken into custody by the FBI following claims that both Jian and Liu had smuggled a fungus known as Fusarium graminearum into the country.
This fungus is said to cause diseases in several crops, including barley, wheat, rice, and corn, resulting in economic losses worth billions globally. Additionally, the toxins produced by the fungus can lead to liver issues, vomiting, and reproductive problems in both livestock and humans.
Reports indicate that Jian received funding from the Chinese government for research into pathology and that evidence found on her electronic devices suggested her allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party.
The complaint further alleges that Liu is affiliated with a university in China where he studies pathogens. Initially, he denied smuggling the fungus but later confessed to using Detroit’s metropolitan airport for this purpose, which enabled him to continue his research at a lab at the University of Michigan.
“These individuals took advantage of university lab facilities to engage in smuggling biological pathogens, which poses a serious risk to public safety,” the statement read.
Jian appeared in federal court in Detroit on Tuesday.
This situation highlights concerns regarding the actions of the Chinese Communist Party, which is reportedly deploying personnel and researchers to infiltrate U.S. institutions and target food supplies, according to a statement made on social media.
Additionally, Haoxiang Gao, another Chinese national at the University of Michigan, faces charges for illegally voting in the U.S., as noted in a sealed complaint filed on Friday.
