Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, both citizens of China, have been charged with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, false statements, and visa fraud. This was announced by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr., alongside Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson from the FBI’s Detroit Division and Marty C. Raybon, Director of Field Operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The charges stem from allegations that Jian and Liu smuggled a fungus known as Fusarium graminearum into the United States. This fungus is classified as a potential agroterrorism weapon due to its harmful effects on crops like wheat, barley, maize, and rice. It is also known to cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects in humans and livestock.
According to the complaint, Jian received funding from the Chinese government for her research on this pathogen in China. The complaint further alleges that Jian’s electronics contain information about her membership in the Chinese Communist Party. Liu is accused of smuggling the fungus through Detroit Metropolitan Airport to conduct research at a University of Michigan laboratory where Jian worked.
United States Attorney Gorgon emphasized the seriousness of these allegations: “The alleged actions of these Chinese nationals—including a loyal member of the Chinese Communist Party—are of the gravest national security concerns.”
Cheyvoryea Gibson said: “The federal charges announced today against Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu… signify a crucial advancement in our efforts to safeguard our communities and uphold national security.”
Marty C. Raybon added: “Today’s criminal charges levied upon Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu are indicative of CBP’s critical role in protecting the American people from biological threats that could devastate our agricultural economy.”
Jian is scheduled to appear in federal court in Detroit for her initial appearance on these charges. A complaint is not evidence of guilt; it remains to be seen whether a felony indictment will be sought following further investigation by the FBI and CBP.
Information from this article can be found here.
