ISLAMABAD: US federal authorities have charged two Chinese researchers with smuggling a highly dangerous biological pathogen into the United States — a fungus capable of causing massive crop damage and considered a potential agroterrorism weapon.
The US Department of Justice said on Tuesday that the pathogen, Fusarium graminearum, is known to cause head blight in cereal crops like wheat and barley, leading to billions of dollars in losses globally.
According to an FBI complaint, the pathogen was smuggled into the country in July 2024 by Zunyong Liu, a 34-year-old researcher based in China, during a visit to the United States to see his girlfriend, Yunqing Jian, 33, who worked at a University of Michigan lab.
The DOJ alleges Liu brought the fungus with the intention of conducting research using university facilities, without disclosing or obtaining required clearance from US authorities.
Fungus with Devastating Agricultural Potential
Fusarium graminearum has long been identified in scientific and security literature as a potential biological weapon capable of sabotaging food supplies.
Known to produce mycotoxins, it devastates staple crops like wheat and corn, and is resistant to common fungicides.
US officials view the incident as a serious breach of biosecurity. Cheyvoryea Gibson, FBI special agent in charge of the Detroit Field Office, stated that the suspects’ actions “posed an imminent threat to public safety.”
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.
The individual, Yunqing Jian, is alleged to have smuggled a dangerous fungus called “Fusarium graminearum,” which is an…
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) June 3, 2025
The couple is accused of conspiracy, smuggling, providing false statements, and visa fraud.
The incident has raised alarms over the vulnerability of US research facilities and potential lapses in biosecurity protocols.
Digital Trail Revealed Smuggling Intent
The criminal complaint includes evidence from electronic communications, in which Liu and Jian discussed shipping biological materials and laboratory research before Liu arrived in the US.
The conversations reportedly suggest premeditated intent to bypass legal and safety procedures.
Jian is in US custody and was scheduled to appear in court in Detroit. Liu is currently in China and may face extradition proceedings.
The University of Michigan has not issued a formal statement regarding the case.
