Two Chinese nationals are now confronting charges related to the alleged smuggling of a potentially perilous biological pathogen into the United States,” U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. in Detroit proclaimed on Tuesday.
Yunqing Jian, 33, and her companion, Zunyong Liu, 34, stand accused of conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, making deceitful statements, and visa fraud, according to the Department of Justice.
Reports indicate that the FBI has apprehended Jian concerning the allegations that she and Liu smuggled a fungus named Fusarium graminearum, regarded as a potential agroterrorism weapon. This fungus is known to incite “head blight” disease in wheat, barley, maize, and rice, leading to substantial economic losses on a global scale annually. Moreover, the toxins in this substance can potentially cause liver damage, vomiting, and reproductive anomalies in humans and livestock alike.
The complaint suggests that Jian obtained funding from the Chinese government for her work on the pathogen. It has been reported that her electronic devices contain information pointing to her membership and allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party. Liu, on the other hand, is employed at a Chinese university where he is said to be researching the pathogen. He was initially accused of dishonesty concerning smuggling the fungus into the United States through Detroit Metropolitan Airport, before admitting his involvement.
According to reliable sources, Liu intended to study the pathogen at the University of Michigan’s laboratory, where Jian was employed. “The alleged actions of these Chinese nationals — including a loyal member of the Chinese Communist Party — are of the gravest national security concerns,” said Gorgon. “These two aliens have been charged with smuggling a fungus that has been described as a ‘potential agroterrorism weapon’ into the heartland of America, where they intended to use a University of Michigan laboratory to further their scheme.”
This development follows earlier reports that Jian is set to make her initial appearance in the case in federal court in Detroit on Tuesday. This incident marks the second time in just a week where a Chinese national associated with the University of Michigan has faced charges in a federal investigation.
In conclusion, these charges underscore the delicate balance between open scientific exchange and the safeguarding of national security interests. It is indeed a reminder of the importance of vigilant border protections and the ongoing need for stringent security measures.
