Yunqing Jian holding a bouquet of flowers.
Share this @internewscast.com

TWO Chinese scientists have been charged for allegedly attempting to smuggle a toxic fungus into the United States.

Authorities have claimed this fungus could be used as a “potential agroterrorism weapon”.

Yunqing Jian holding a bouquet of flowers.
Jian denied that she was aware of her boyfriend’s intent to smuggle the pathogenCredit: University of Michigan
Open book showing pages filled with data tables.
The toxins Fusarium graminearum gives off can lead to vomiting, liver damage and reproductive defects in humans and livestock if consumedCredit: United States District Court
Microscopic view of *Gibberella zeae* fungus, showing colony and macroconidia.
Prosecutors claim Liu tried to smuggle the fungus through Detroit AirportCredit: AP

The US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan has announced that researchers Jian Yunqing, aged 33, and Liu Zunyong, aged 34, are facing allegations of smuggling goods, conspiracy, visa fraud, and making false statements.

Prosecutors claim Liu tried to smuggle the fungus through Detroit Airport so he could study it at a University of Michigan laboratory.

Jian, Liu’s girlfriend, works at this lab, the prosecutors added.

According to the FBI, Fusarium graminearum is designated as a “potential agroterrorism weapon,” which can induce vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive issues in both humans and animals.

This fungus causes billions of dollars worth of damage to livestock and crops globally each year.

Authorities also claim that Jian’s research concerning the fungus in China received funding from the Chinese government, and she is identified as a member of the Chinese Communist Party.

FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X: “This case is a sobering reminder that the CCP is working around the clock to deploy operatives and researchers to infiltrate American institutions and target our food supply, which would have grave consequences… putting American lives and our economy at serious risk.

“Your FBI will continue working tirelessly to be on guard against it.”

Liu is alleged to have initially lied about attempting to bring the pathogen into the country in July 2024 before admitting it.

The complaint claims that Jian and Liu had previously studied the fungus in China.

Trump doubles steel and aluminium tariffs and threatens China and its ‘shoddy’ exports in latest trade war escalation

A scientific article was found on Liu’s phone titled “Plant-Pathogen Warfare under Changing Climate Conditions”, according to the FBI.

Messages between the couple suggest Jian was already studying the pathogen prior to Liu’s arrival at the airport, the authority added.

The university does not have the required federal permits to handle the pathogen.

A statement from the university says the institution as not received “funding from the Chinese government in relation to research conducted by the accused individuals”.

It adds: “We strongly condemn any actions that seek to cause harm, threaten national security or undermine the university’s critical public mission.”

What is Fusarium graminearum?

Fusarium graminearum is a fungal pathogen that can be devastating to livestock and crops.

It can ruin a large number of crops, and can cause bight in wheat and barley – making it a major cause for concern.

The pathogen is understood to lead to billions of dollars in losses worldwide each year.

It can also cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects in both humans and livestock.

The potential for large scale crop losses is why is is deemed to be a potential “agroterrorism” agent.

Jian appeared in court yesterday and was returned to jail to await a bond hearing – which is set for Thursday.

The attorney who was assigned only for her initial appearance declined to comment, according to the Associated Press.

But as the US does not have an extradition treaty with China, Liu’s arrest is seen as unlikely unless he returns.

US Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr called the allegations a “national security” concern.

He said: “These two aliens have been charged with smuggling a fungus that has been described as a ‘potential agroterrorism weapon’ into the heartland of America, where they apparently intended to use a University of Michigan laboratory to further their scheme.”

It comes after Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged to “aggressively” revoke the visas of Chinese students in the US.

This move, which is part of a broad crackdown on immigration by the Trump administration, has been condemned as “discriminatory” by the Chinese government.

China makes up the second largest number of foreign students in the United States, only after India.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
President Trump speaking to the press.

Trump Imposes 30% Tariffs on EU and Mexico; Trade Deal Hopes Diminish

DONALD Trump has announced the EU and Mexico are set to face…
Amazon logo on a building.

Critical Amazon Recall Alert: Two Household Products Pose Fatal Risks to Children – Customers Advised to Cease Use Immediately

SHOPPERS have been issued a warning about two home items sold on…
Jennifer Aniston gets back massage from Jim Curtis on yacht

Jennifer Aniston Enjoys a Relaxing Yacht Massage from Jim Curtis

That escalated quickly. Jennifer Aniston was recently seen receiving a massage and…
Tucker Carlson Epstein Israel: A Call for Accountability

Tucker Carlson on Epstein and Israel: Demanding Transparency and Responsibility

Tucker Carlson delivered a blistering critique at TPUSA, accusing Jeffrey Epstein of…
DOJ drops charges against Utah surgeon accused of injecting fake COVID-19 shots and destroying $28K of real vaccines

US Government Drops Charges Against Utah Doctor Accused of Administering Fake COVID-19 Vaccines and Wasting $28,000 Worth of Real Ones

The Justice Department has decided to dismiss the charges against a Utah…
Trump’s visit brings hope and unity after deadly flood, Kerrville residents say

Kerrville Residents See Hope and Unity in Trump’s Visit Following Devastating Flood

KERR COUNTY, TEXAS – Residents of Kerrville who gathered along the roads…
Live Aid 40th anniversary: Judas Priest, Rick Springfield, John Oates and Bob Geldof reflect on concerts from Philadelphia, London

Celebrating 40 Years of Live Aid: Judas Priest, Rick Springfield, John Oates, and Bob Geldof Share Their Memories of the Philadelphia and London Concerts

NEW YORK — Forty years ago, the iconic Live Aid concerts set…
Autopsy technician reveals the most bizarre ways her patients have died — and the common act that kills many

Autopsy Technician Shares Unusual Causes of Death and the Surprising Habit Responsible for Many Fatalities

Lives are at steak. An autopsy technician is urging elderly people to…
Gracie Cashman on 'wild ride' of being Yankees GM's daughter, finding herself through YES show

Gracie Cashman Talks About The Thrills of Being the Yankees GM’s Daughter and Her Journey of Self-Discovery on a YES Network Show

YES Network personality Gracie Cashman, daughter of Yankees GM Brian Cashman, takes…
Justice Dept. fires more lawyers, support staff involved in Trump prosecutions

Justice Department Dismisses Additional Lawyers and Support Staff Involved in Trump Cases

The firings are part of a broader wave of terminations that have…
Sabu has died: WWE star was 60

David Gergen, who advised four different presidents, passes away at age 83

Gergen worked in the administrations of Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald…
Militant union bosses urge doctors not to tell their hospitals if they are striking – sparking fears for patient safety

Aggressive Union Leaders Instruct Doctors to Withhold Strike Participation from Hospitals, Raising Concerns for Patient Safety

Union leaders from a militant standpoint are advising doctors that they are…