Categories: Michigan Breaking NewsMichigan News

Chinese Nationals Charged with Smuggling Dangerous Fungus

Biosecurity measures with crops and biohazard symbol

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News Summary

Two Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, have been charged with smuggling the dangerous fungus Fusarium graminearum into the U.S. This fungus poses a significant threat to agriculture and human health. The case is part of a broader investigation involving the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, raising concerns about foreign influence and national security. The University of Michigan, where Jian was employed, has condemned these actions and is cooperating with federal law enforcement as the investigation continues.

Detroit, Michigan – Two Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian, age 33, and Zunyong Liu, age 34, have been charged with the serious offense of smuggling a dangerous fungus into the United States. The fungus in question, Fusarium graminearum, has been identified as a potential agroterrorism weapon and poses a significant threat to U.S. agriculture. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan made the announcement on June 5, 2025, detailing the legal actions taken against the individuals.

Both Jian and Liu face multiple charges that include conspiracy, smuggling goods into the U.S., providing false statements, and visa fraud. Jian was employed as a researcher at the University of Michigan, while Liu was associated with a university in China. This case is part of a broader investigation involving the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which focused on the illegal importation of biological materials.

Fusarium graminearum is known for causing ‘head blight’ in staple crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and rice, which can lead to catastrophic economic losses in the agriculture sector, estimated to reach billions of dollars annually. In addition to its agricultural risks, toxins produced by this fungus can cause severe health issues in humans and livestock, including vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects.

Evidence suggests that Jian may have received financial support from the Chinese government for her research relating to this pathogen. Furthermore, materials recovered from Jian’s electronic devices contained indications of her affiliations and loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Liu, initially evasive about his role, admitted to smuggling the fungus through the Detroit Metropolitan Airport to conduct research at the University of Michigan following initial denials.

The University of Michigan reacted promptly to the situation by condemning actions that threaten national security. The institution clarified that it had not accepted any funding from the Chinese government linked to the accused individuals, demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding national interests.

This incident is part of a troubling trend involving Chinese nationals connected to the University of Michigan. Just a week prior, another individual was charged with illegally voting in the November 2024 election while attending the university. This recent event has raised alarms among Michigan’s officials, highlighting concerns surrounding foreign influence and espionage within the state’s agricultural and educational domains.

Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall underscored the importance of remaining vigilant in the face of potential threats from China. He expressed concerns that efforts to prevent foreign interference have been obstructed by Senate Democrats and the governor, suggesting that more proactive measures are necessary to protect vital sectors.

The collaborative efforts of the FBI and federal entities have been crucial in identifying and addressing such threats, as emphasized by ongoing security efforts at the U.S. borders. In response to this alarming development, the University of Michigan has pledged to enhance its cooperation with federal law enforcement agencies as the investigation and prosecution of Jian and Liu continue.

The case against Jian and Liu serves as a reminder of the pressing need to safeguard U.S. agricultural integrity and national security against potential biological threats. As authorities work diligently to resolve this matter, it raises difficult questions regarding foreign influence in America’s educational and agricultural systems.