A laboratory featuring equipment used for researching biological pathogens relevant to agriculture.
Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, scholars at the University of Michigan, face federal charges for allegedly smuggling the pathogen Fusarium graminearum into the U.S. The FBI’s investigation revealed serious concerns over national security and the implications of foreign nationals in sensitive research. Both individuals are charged with conspiracy and smuggling, raising questions about the oversight of academic collaborations.
Detroit – Yunqing Jian, a 33-year-old scholar at the University of Michigan, and her boyfriend Zunyong Liu, 34, are facing serious federal charges for allegedly smuggling a biological pathogen into the United States. The pathogen, identified as Fusarium graminearum, is recognized as a potential weapon of agricultural terrorism capable of devastating food crops.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) unsealed the case against Jian and Liu in a Detroit federal court, marking yet another troubling incident involving Chinese nationals associated with the university. Just days earlier, another individual linked to the institution was also charged by federal authorities.
According to prosecutors, Jian, who holds a doctorate in plant pathogens from Zhejiang University in China, has openly showed allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party. She reportedly received financial support from a Chinese government foundation to conduct post-doctoral research, which included studying Fusarium graminearum.
Details reveal that Liu allegedly smuggled the harmful pathogen into the U.S. at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport on July 27, 2024. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers discovered the pathogen concealed in Liu’s backpack, cleverly disguised within tissues. While Liu initially claimed ignorance about the materials, he later confessed to smuggling the pathogen for use in research at the university.
Prosecutors have emphasized the potential dangers posed by Fusarium graminearum. This fungus is known to cause significant economic damage globally, leading to diseases in key crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and rice. Additionally, the toxins emitted by the fungus can have serious health effects on both humans and livestock, including symptoms like vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive issues.
Jian and Liu are facing multiple charges, including conspiracy, smuggling, making false statements to investigators, and visa fraud. The smuggling charge alone could result in a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison for Liu, who has since returned to China following his visa attempt.
The FBI has been increasingly vigilant regarding national security threats from individuals connected to the Chinese Communist Party, especially in the context of academic research. Evidence suggests that the couple had previously coordinated attempts to smuggle biological materials, with texts uncovering plans to hide seeds in shoes and other methods. Reports indicate Liu successfully aided Jian in smuggling biological materials before, in one instance hiding them within a thick textbook.
The investigation into this incident follows heightened scrutiny of foreign nationals, particularly Chinese students involved in U.S. research institutions. The focus on potential smuggling and threats intensified after the 2016 presidential election, reflecting concerns about collaborations between American universities and entities affiliated with China.
In light of the charges, the University of Michigan has stated that it did not receive any funds from the Chinese government related to Jian’s research and has condemned any actions that could jeopardize national security. As of now, Jian has been ordered to remain in custody without bond, pending a detention hearing.
This case underscores the broader implications of international collaborations in scientific research and the potential risks associated with individuals working within sensitive areas of study. As authorities continue to thoroughly investigate, the safety and integrity of research practices remain a high priority.
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