DETROIT, MI – Two Chinese nationals have been charged by federal authorities for allegedly conspiring to smuggle a dangerous fungus, identified as Fusarium graminearum, into the United States, raising significant national security concerns.

Key Facts:

• Individuals Charged: Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, both Chinese citizens, face charges of conspiracy, smuggling goods, making false statements, and visa fraud.
• The Fungus: The pathogen, Fusarium graminearum, causes “head blight” in crucial crops like wheat, barley, maize, and rice, leading to billions in agricultural losses and posing severe health risks to humans and livestock through its toxins.
• Alleged Motive and Background: Authorities suggest the fungus was intended for unauthorized research at a University of Michigan laboratory where Jian worked, despite the university lacking federal permits for such material. One of the accused, Jian, reportedly received funding from the Chinese government for research on this pathogen in China and has expressed loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party.

The alleged plot involves attempts to illegally bring the toxic fungus into the U.S. heartland, specifically targeting a laboratory in Michigan, and highlights potential threats to American agriculture and public health.

What is Fusarium graminearum and Why is it Dangerous?

The presence of these toxins can cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive issues in both humans and livestock

Fusarium graminearum is a fungus that causes Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) in cereal crops, commonly known as “head blight.” This disease can lead to significant yield reductions and contaminate grains with mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol (DON), which are highly toxic. The presence of these toxins can cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive issues in both humans and livestock if contaminated food is consumed. Scientific literature has described the fungus as a “potential agroterrorism weapon” due to its capacity to inflict widespread agricultural damage and its associated health risks, responsible for billions of dollars in economic losses worldwide each year.

Who Are the Accused and Where Are They Now?

given the U.S. lacks an extradition treaty with China, his arrest is unlikely unless he returns voluntarily

The individuals charged are Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, both citizens of the People’s Republic of China. Jian is currently in U.S. custody and appeared in federal court in Detroit. Liu, who reportedly works at a Chinese university and conducts research on the same pathogen, was turned away at the Detroit airport in July 2024 after changing his story about plant material found in his backpack and was sent back to China. His current whereabouts remain unknown, and given the U.S. lacks an extradition treaty with China, his arrest is unlikely unless he returns voluntarily.

Was There a Motive and Were They Acting Alone?

she reportedly received funding from the Chinese government for her research on this pathogen in China, suggesting potential ties to broader, state-sponsored interests

Federal authorities allege that the apparent motive was to conduct unauthorized research on the dangerous fungus at a University of Michigan laboratory where Jian worked and Liu previously worked. Messages exchanged between Jian and Liu in 2024 suggest a collaborative effort, with Jian allegedly already tending to Fusarium graminearum at the campus lab before Liu’s attempted entry. One message from Jian to Liu stated, “It’s a pity that I still have to work for you,” to which Liu replied, “Once this is done, everything else will be easy.” The FBI also found a signed statement on Jian’s phone expressing her support for the Chinese Communist Party, and she reportedly received funding from the Chinese government for her research on this pathogen in China, suggesting potential ties to broader, state-sponsored interests.

What Happens Next?

Yunqing Jian is in U.S. custody and awaiting a bond hearing. Both Jian and Liu have been charged with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, false statements, and visa fraud. If convicted, they face significant prison time and possible removal from the United States. The University of Michigan has stated that it does not have the federal permits required to handle Fusarium graminearum and has pledged full cooperation with federal law enforcement in the ongoing investigation. The investigation, a joint effort between the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, remains active.

Reactions to the Allegations

FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that the case serves as a “sobering reminder” that the Chinese Communist Party is actively seeking to “infiltrate American institutions and target our food supply.”

U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. described the alleged actions as “of the gravest national security concerns,” particularly highlighting Jian’s reported membership in the Chinese Communist Party. FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that the case serves as a “sobering reminder” that the Chinese Communist Party is actively seeking to “infiltrate American institutions and target our food supply.” These charges come amid strained relations between the U.S. and China, following recent vows by the Trump administration to “aggressively” revoke visas for Chinese nationals studying in the U.S., particularly those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields. The University of Michigan has stated its strong condemnation of any actions that threaten national security and confirmed no university funding was received from the Chinese government for the accused individuals’ research.