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One of the two Chinese nationals detained for allegedly smuggling a hazardous crop-destroying pathogen, which also poses severe health risks to humans, concealed the dangerous fungus in her boots upon entering the United States in 2022, according to documents.
An arrest affidavit for University of Michigan post-doctoral research fellow Yunqing Jian and her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, reveals that Jian initially transported Fusarium graminearum, considered a “potential agroterrorism weapon” in scientific studies, in August 2022.
A transcribed WeChat conversation between Jian and Liu shows Liu instructing Jian on how to smuggle the fungus, according to the affidavit.
Baggies seized by Border Patrol containing the dangerous fungus fusarium graminearum. (FBI)
“Furthermore, the laboratory detected 10 distinct samples on the filter paper,” the affidavit reports. “Each sample featured a hand-drawn circle with a unique code of letters and/or numbers. The sample marked ‘06172’ was identified by the FBI laboratory as containing the DNA sequence for Fusarium graminearum.
Liu initially denied knowingly putting the pathogen in his bag, but later admitted to doing it intentionally, authorities said.
He allegedly revealed his entire scheme to the investigators, including telling them that he planned to use the same laboratory that Jian used at the University of Michigan to conduct research. He said that some days during his visit, the lab would be open for use, according to the affidavit, and other days, Jian planned to let him in.
Jian and Liu have been charged with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, false statements, and visa fraud.
“This case is a sobering reminder that the Chinese Communist Party continues to deploy operatives and researchers to infiltrate our institutions and target our food supply, an act that could cripple our economy and endanger American lives,” FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News Digital in a statement. “Smuggling a known agroterrorism agent into the U.S. is not just a violation of law, it’s a direct threat to national security. I commend the FBI Detroit Division and our partners at CBP for stopping this biological threat before it could do real damage.”
FBI Director Kash Patel reacted to two Chinese nationals allegedly smuggling a potential agroterrorism weapon into the United States to study at the University of Michigan. (Getty Images/ IMAGN)
The University of Michigan released a statement regarding the incident on Wednesday.
“As one of the world’s leading public research institutions, the University of Michigan is dedicated to advancing knowledge, solving challenging problems and improving nearly every facet of the human experience. Our research enterprise across all three campuses is united in this commitment to serving the people of Michigan and the world,” the school said.
“We strongly condemn any actions that seek to cause harm, threaten national security or undermine the university’s critical public mission. It is important to note that the university has received no funding from the Chinese government in relation to research conducted by the accused individuals. We have and will continue to cooperate with federal law enforcement in its ongoing investigation and prosecution.”
Fox News’ Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.
