Washington, D.C.: The US federal prosecutors have charged two Chinese nationals with smuggling a toxic crop fungus into the United States, raising fears of potential agroterrorism.
The indictment, unsealed by the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, accuses researchers Jian Yunqing, 33, and Liu Zunyong, 34, of importing Fusarium graminearum, a pathogen capable of devastating cereal crops and posing serious risks to humans and livestock.
In addition to smuggling, both defendants face charges of conspiracy, visa fraud, and making false statements to federal investigators. Authorities allege that Liu, who was deported to China in July 2024, attempted to bring the fungus into the country to execute research at the University of Michigan, where Jian, his girlfriend, was employed. The university has since issued a statement condemning any acts that endanger public safety or national security.
Fusarium graminearum causes ‘head blight’ in crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and rice, leading to billions of dollars in agricultural losses annually. The fungus also produces mycotoxins that can trigger vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive issues in both humans and animals.
Chinese Nationals Charged with Conspiracy and Smuggling a Dangerous Biological Pathogen into the U.S. for their Work at a University of Michigan Laboratory https://t.co/guYxrPpJTQ
— FBI (@FBI) June 4, 2025
US Customs and Border Protection discovered the fungus in Liu’s backpack during an airport screening in Detroit. He later admitted his intent to conduct unauthorized research on American soil. FBI investigators say the case falls under the bureau’s broader declaration to combat foreign espionage and threats to national infrastructure, including food systems.
Messages found on the couple’s devices indicated that Jian was fully aware of the smuggling operation and had lied during questioning. The FBI also discovered a scientific article titled ‘Plant-Pathogen Warfare under Changing Climate Conditions’ on Liu’s phone, fuelling suspicions about the pair’s intent and possible ties to Chinese state interests.
According to the charges, Jian had previously received funding from the Chinese government for related research in China. Her connections to state institutions are now under scrutiny with growing concerns over Beijing’s infiltration of American academia and infrastructure.
FBI Director Kash Patel claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that the incident exemplifies a broader pattern of Chinese operatives seeking to undermine US food security and national stability. The Chinese Embassy in Washington has not issued a response.
The case unfolds amid heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing. Just last week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a crackdown on Chinese student visas, citing national security risks. The targeted visa revocations primarily affect students with alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which includes an estimated 100 million members.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has vowed to defend the rights of its overseas students in response to the escalating visa scrutiny. Jian Yunqing is expected to appear in federal court. Extradition of Liu remains unlikely due to the absence of an extradition treaty between the US and China.
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