Chinese Researchers Charged in U.S. for Smuggling Dangerous Fungus
image source: Toxic Fungus Smuggled in Backpack by Chinese Scientist Raises Biosecurity Alarms
Two Chinese Scientists Accused of Smuggling Toxic Fungus into U.S.
Two Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian (33) and Zunyong Liu (34), have been charged in the United States for smuggling a dangerous plant fungus, Fusarium graminearum, into the country. The fungus is known to cause massive crop damage and is considered a potential agroterrorism threat.
Chinese nationals charged with smuggling 'AGROTERRORISM WEAPON' into US – DOJ
— RT (@RT_com) June 3, 2025
Two researchers were caught in Detorit with samples of ‘Fusarium graminearum’
Feds say it’s a dangerous pathogen that can devastate crops pic.twitter.com/DqzBrwIXrn
Fungus Found Hidden in Backpack
In July 2024, Zunyong Liu arrived at Detroit Metropolitan Airport with hidden packets of the fungus in his backpack. The samples were wrapped in tissues and plastic bags, along with research notes and lab materials. Liu initially denied knowing about the contents but later admitted they were for research at the University of Michigan, where his partner, Jian, was employed.
New... I can confirm that the FBI arrested a Chinese national within the United States who allegedly smuggled a dangerous biological pathogen into the country.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) June 3, 2025
The individual, Yunqing Jian, is alleged to have smuggled a dangerous fungus called "Fusarium graminearum," which is an…
No Legal Permit to Import
The pair did not have a permit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to bring the pathogen into the country. Officials say text messages show Jian had knowledge of the smuggling plan and may have done it before.
Liu was sent back to China after the incident, while Jian was arrested and remains in U.S. custody.
FBI Director @Kash_Patel is exposing what he calls a “direct threat to national security” after two Chinese nationals were charged Tuesday with allegedly smuggling a "dangerous biological pathogen" into the U.S. to study at the University of Michigan. pic.twitter.com/sAZXeJ72nl
— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 3, 2025
What is Fusarium graminearum?
Fusarium graminearum is a toxic fungus that causes head blight in crops like wheat, corn, rice, and barley. It produces harmful toxins such as deoxynivalenol and zearalenone, which can lead to vomiting, liver damage, and fertility problems in humans and animals.
Agroterrorism Concerns and Investigation
The FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection led the investigation, expressing concerns that the smuggling could be part of a larger plan to harm U.S. agriculture. Authorities are also looking into possible links to the Chinese government.
