Two Chinese Citizens Arrested for Alleged Smuggling of Biological Weapons

Federal authorities in the United States have taken two Chinese nationals into custody, alleging that they tried to bring potential biological weapons into the country. The two are said to have intended to use these materials for research at the University of Michigan.

On Tuesday, the Justice Department formally charged Yunkun Jiang, 33, and her boyfriend Zunyoung Liu, 34.

“These individuals are accused of smuggling fungi that could serve as an ‘agroterrorism weapon’ into the U.S., with clear intentions to utilize the lab at the University of Michigan,” noted one official.

According to officials, Liu arrived in the U.S. carrying a bag containing Fusarium graminearum, a type of fungi known to cause severe diseases in crops like wheat, barley, corn, and rice. Reports have emerged about this situation.

In the documentation provided by investigators, it is claimed that FBI agents misled customs and border officials regarding the purpose of Liu’s visit and what he knew about the fungi he possessed.

“Ultimately, Liu confessed to importing the pathogen, stating he brought it to the U.S. to conduct research at the University of Michigan where his girlfriend Jiang was employed,” an agent noted in their report.

Interim U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon emphasized, “The actions of these individuals, who are reportedly loyal members of the Chinese Communist Party, pose a serious national security risk.”

The federal charges come in the wake of heightened scrutiny over the presence of Chinese individuals in American universities, especially following efforts during President Donald Trump’s administration to address these concerns.

Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new visa restrictions targeting Chinese students, indicating that visas would be revoked, particularly for those affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party or studying in key fields.