Laboratory equipment examining potential agricultural threats.
Two Chinese citizens, Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, face multiple charges for allegedly smuggling the harmful fungus Fusarium graminearum into the U.S. This fungus threatens key crops like wheat and rice. Prosecutors reveal claims of conspiracy and visa fraud, following an FBI investigation that uncovered evidence of their intentions to clone the strains. The implications for U.S. agriculture and national security are significant, as Fusarium graminearum is classified as a major economic risk and potential agroterrorism weapon.
Detroit, MI – Two Chinese citizens, Yunqing Jian (33) and Zunyong Liu (34), have been charged in connection with a scheme to smuggle the harmful fungus Fusarium graminearum into the United States. This fungus poses a serious threat to agricultural crops, including wheat, barley, maize, and rice, due to its ability to cause head blight, a disease known for resulting in significant crop damage and economic losses.
Federal prosecutors have outlined multiple charges against Jian and Liu, including conspiracy, smuggling goods into the U.S., providing false statements, and engaging in visa fraud. The complaint against them was unsealed on June 3, revealing the extent of their alleged misconduct. Liu is accused of smuggling the fungus into the U.S. through the Detroit Metro Airport on July 27. During initial questioning, Liu claimed ignorance regarding the materials he brought with him but later confessed that they were different strains of the pathogen.
Evidence retrieved from Liu’s belongings included a concealed note and filter paper suggesting that he intended to clone the fungal strains, while Jian allegedly denied any knowledge of Liu’s actions or plans. Furthermore, electronic communications between Jian and Liu indicate discussions about shipping biological materials prior to Liu’s arrival in the U.S. Notably, neither of the two applied for the necessary permits to import the fungus, which is mandated by U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations.
The emergence of Fusarium graminearum as a significant threat is underscored by its historical impact on the U.S. agricultural sector. The Crop Protection Network reports that it is considered the “most economically important wheat disease” in the U.S. and Canada. The disease is responsible for substantial economic losses—an estimated $2.7 billion in damages to crops occurred in the Northern Great Plains and Central U.S. between 1998 and 2000. Moreover, the toxins produced by the fungus can lead to serious health issues, including vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive problems in both humans and animals, particularly pigs.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Jerome Gorgon, expressed deep concerns regarding the implications of these activities on national security. Authorities note the potential danger posed by Fusarium graminearum as an agroterrorism weapon that could target critical food crops in the U.S., further elevating the seriousness of the charges against Jian and Liu.
Jian was employed at the University of Michigan in the Molecular Plant-Microbe Interaction Laboratory, where she began her postdoctoral research in August 2023 after receiving a J1 visa. Liu had previously collaborated with the same principal investigators on research in both China and the U.S., and they had co-authored several academic papers concerning Fusarium graminearum. In March 2024, Liu applied for a B2 tourist visa, to which he answered negatively when asked about engaging in illegal activities.
Following an FBI search of Jian’s cellphone, law enforcement officials uncovered her allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party and noted details regarding her research accomplishments. This case represents a coordinated investigation by the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The University of Michigan has stated that it did not receive any funding from the Chinese government for the research in question and is fully cooperating with federal investigations into the matter.
Chinese Nationals Charged with Smuggling Dangerous Fungus
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