On June 3, 2025, U.S. federal authorities announced charges against two Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, for allegedly smuggling a dangerous biological pathogen into the United States. The pathogen, identified as Fusarium graminearum, is a fungus known to cause Fusarium head blight in crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and rice, leading to significant agricultural damage and economic losses globally. The fungus also produces toxins that can cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects in humans and livestock.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Liu attempted to smuggle the fungus into the country through Detroit Metropolitan Airport in July 2024. Initially denying knowledge of the materials, Liu later admitted to intentionally concealing the samples in his luggage to conduct research at a University of Michigan laboratory where Jian was employed.
Jian, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Michigan, allegedly received funding from the Chinese government for her work on Fusarium graminearum in China and is reported to be a member of the Chinese Communist Party. Electronic communications between Jian and Liu suggest they coordinated the smuggling of biological materials into the U.S.
Both individuals have been charged with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, making false statements, and visa fraud. Jian is currently in custody awaiting a bond hearing, while Liu remains in China. Due to the absence of an extradition treaty between the U.S. and China, Liu’s arrest is considered unlikely unless he returns to the United States.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the severity of the case, stating, “This case is a sobering reminder that the Chinese Communist Party is working around the clock to deploy operatives and researchers to infiltrate American institutions and target our food supply, which would have grave consequences.”
The University of Michigan has issued a statement asserting that it received no funding from the Chinese government related to the research conducted by the accused individuals and is cooperating fully with federal authorities. The university also condemned any actions that threaten national security or undermine its public mission.
