Chinese researchers charged with smuggling dangerous fungus into US
Two Chinese nationals have been charged with smuggling a dangerous biological pathogen into the U.S. for university research, according to a recent statement from a Chinese embassy official. The official, Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Embassy in the U.S., stated that he was unaware of the specific case but emphasized that the Chinese government always requires overseas Chinese citizens to abide by local laws and regulations.
The individuals in question, Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, who are also a couple, were charged with smuggling Fusarium graminearum fungus into the U.S. within the jurisdiction of the Eastern District of Michigan. This fungus is considered a potential agroterrorism weapon by the Justice Department and can cause harmful “head blight” on cereal grain crops, resulting in approximately $1 billion in global crop damage each year.
The FBI, along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, is conducting the investigation into this case. While Liu denied knowledge of the situation, Jian allegedly received funding from the CCP for her work on the fungus in China. This incident raises concerns as China has previously been accused of releasing the coronavirus pathogen that led to a global pandemic in 2020.
FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the severe national security threat posed by the fungus involved in this case, emphasizing the importance of protecting the domestic food supply. CBP Director of Field Operations Marty Raybon echoed these sentiments, stating that the charges against Jian and Liu demonstrate CBP’s crucial role in safeguarding the American people from biological threats that could devastate the agricultural economy and harm humans.
The University of Michigan, where the research fellows were affiliated, responded to the incident by condemning any actions that seek to cause harm or threaten national security. The university clarified that it had not received funding from the Chinese government related to the accused individuals’ research and pledged to cooperate with federal law enforcement in the ongoing investigation and prosecution.
In a statement obtained by Fox News Digital, the university reaffirmed its commitment to advancing knowledge and serving the public mission. The article also includes statements from FBI Director Kash Patel and CBP Director Marty Raybon, underscoring the seriousness of the charges against Jian and Liu.
It is crucial to address the potential risks associated with biological smuggling and ensure that rigorous measures are in place to prevent such incidents in the future. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and educational institutions is essential to safeguarding national security and protecting the well-being of the population.
