Two Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, have been charged with smuggling a fungus called Fusarium graminearum, classified as a potential agroterrorism weapon, into the US. The Justice Department alleges that they received Chinese government funding for research at the University of Michigan, where Jian worked. Authorities found evidence of smuggling in Liu’s luggage, including tissues with notes and small clumps of reddish plant material, after he initially lied about his intentions.
The fungus causes “head blight,” a disease of wheat, barley, maize, and rice, resulting in billions of dollars in economic losses worldwide each year. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the Justice Department’s mission is to keep Americans safe from hostile foreign actors, and both defendants will face years behind bars. The University of Michigan has condemned any actions that seek to cause harm and has cooperated with federal law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.
The charges are indicative of the critical role US Customs and Border Protection plays in protecting the American people from biological threats, including researchers attempting to bring potentially harmful materials into the country. Jian was scheduled to appear in federal court in Detroit for her initial appearance on the complaint.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/2-chinese-nationals-charged-smuggling-potential-agroterrorism-fungus/story?id=122454213