Chinese scientist faces hearing after pathogen seized by FBI
Share this @internewscast.com


() A detention hearing was postponed on Thursday for Yunqing Jian, a Chinese scientist who was caught smuggling a pathogen into the U.S. last year.

Jian and her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, were charged by the FBI earlier this week with conspiracy, smuggling, making false statements and visa fraud.

The FBI says Liu tried to sneak Fusarium graminearum into the country but was turned away and sent back to China after changing his story during an interrogation about red plant material discovered in his backpack.

Jian and Liu had exchanged messages suggesting that Jian was already tending to the toxic fungus at a University of Michigan lab before Liu, a lab researcher at the university, was caught at the Detroit airport.

The university does not have federal permits to handle it.

The FBI acknowledged that a scientific journal described Fusarium graminearum as a potential “agroterrorism weapon.”

The pathogen is known to cause diseases in wheat, barley, maize and rice.

The new court date has been announced for June 13.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Volusia Sheriff Criticizes Judge After Deputy Assault at School Sparks Outrage

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – In a recent social media post, Volusia Sheriff…

Child Contacts 911 After Father Allegedly Smokes Heroin, Reports Volusia Sheriff

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – An 8-year-old boy is being hailed as a…

Government Reopening: Key Details You Need to Know After Unprecedented Shutdown

The United States House of Representatives took a decisive step on Wednesday…

Small Businesses Face Unprecedented Challenges Amid Historic Government Shutdown

NEW YORK – As the longest government shutdown in U.S. history teeters…

Griffith Expresses Significant Concerns Over Provision in Bill Ending Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON (WJHL) — Congressman Morgan Griffith from Southwest Virginia has expressed significant…

Two Suspects Charged in Connection with Kingsport Homicide Investigation

Two individuals are facing charges after a man was discovered deceased in…

Suspected Solo Heist Targets Roman Statues at Syria’s Premier Museum

DAMASCUS – Officials revealed on Wednesday that the recent theft of several…

Maine Political Landscape Shifts: Senate Candidate Exits Race to Compete in Crucial House Primary

PORTLAND, Maine – The Democratic primary race to challenge Republican Senator Susan…

President Trump Approves Funding to Conclude Record-Long Government Shutdown

President Trump put an end to the longest government shutdown in U.S.…

France Commemorates a Decade Since the Paris Attacks with Tributes to Victims

PARIS – A decade has passed since the coordinated terrorist attacks that…

Court to Review Legitimacy of Prosecutor in James Comey and Letitia James Case

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Attorneys representing two prominent adversaries of former President Donald…

Eastman Credit Union Grants Magical Disney Wish for Make-A-Wish Recipient: A Heartwarming Journey

In Kingsport, Tennessee, a heartwarming scene unfolded at Eastman Credit Union where…