Chinese Nationals Charged with Smuggling Bioweapon to Michigan Lab [WATCH]

Two Chinese nationals are facing federal criminal charges for allegedly smuggling a dangerous agricultural pathogen into the United States.

The fungus, identified as Fusarium graminearum, poses serious risks to food security, human and animal health, and is considered a potential tool of agroterrorism.

According to a criminal complaint filed in the Eastern District of Michigan, 34-year-old Zunyong Liu was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in July 2023 while attempting to bring the pathogen into the country.

New… I can confirm that the FBI arrested a Chinese national within the United States who allegedly smuggled a dangerous biological pathogen into the country.

The individual, Yunqing Jian, is alleged to have smuggled a dangerous fungus called “Fusarium graminearum,” which is an…

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) June 3, 2025

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Authorities allege Liu initially made false statements regarding the purpose of his visit and denied knowledge of the fungus before later admitting he intended to deliver the biological material to his girlfriend, 33-year-old Yunqing Jian.

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Federal investigators identified Jian as a researcher at the University of Michigan with ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

The complaint states Jian previously received Chinese government funding for her research on Fusarium graminearum and maintains loyalty to the CCP.

Liu is employed by a university in China where he conducts research on the same pathogen, according to federal authorities.

🇺🇸🇨🇳CHINESE COUPLE CAUGHT SNEAKING CROP-KILLING FUNGUS INTO MICHIGAN LAB?!

2 Chinese nationals tried smuggling a deadly fungus into the U.S. that can destroy crops and poison food.

Prosecutors say Zunyong Liu flew it into Detroit for his girlfriend Yunqing Jian, who works at a… pic.twitter.com/JXnu9dIMd2

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) June 3, 2025

During interviews with the FBI, Jian denied knowledge of her boyfriend’s intention to smuggle the fungus.

However, investigators claim they obtained evidence that the couple had discussed biological materials and research activities at the university laboratory prior to Liu’s travel to the United States.

The criminal complaint also alleges that Jian has been involved in smuggling other packages containing biological materials into the U.S. on prior occasions.

Specific details regarding those instances were not disclosed but are expected to be introduced in court proceedings.

U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. announced the charges on Tuesday.

The couple now faces multiple federal counts, including conspiracy, smuggling, false statements, and visa fraud.

“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 in a written statement.

“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 apparently intended to use a University of Michigan laboratory to further their scheme.”

BREAKING: Two Chinese nationals have been charged for allegedly smuggling a dangerous biological pathogen into the U.S. called “Fusarium graminearum” that could cripple the U.S. economy, food supply, and endanger American lives.

The FBI arrested Yunqing Jian (33) and Zunyong… pic.twitter.com/HodSnYhXW1

— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) June 3, 2025

According to the Department of Justice, Fusarium graminearum is known for causing head blight, a destructive disease that affects wheat, barley, maize, and rice crops.

The economic damage attributed to this pathogen reaches billions of dollars globally each year.

Moreover, the mycotoxins produced by the fungus are known to cause serious health issues such as vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive problems in both humans and livestock if ingested.

Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, emphasized the national security implications of the case.

“The federal charges announced today against Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, both residents of the People’s Republic of China, signify a crucial advancement in our efforts to safeguard our communities and uphold national security,” Gibson stated.

“These individuals exploited their access to laboratory facilities at a local university to engage in the smuggling of biological pathogens, an act that posed an imminent threat to public safety.”

Jian is expected to make her initial appearance at the U.S. District Court in Detroit on Tuesday afternoon.

No initial appearance date has been announced for Liu as of this writing.

The University of Michigan issued a statement clarifying its role in the investigation, stating that it had not received any Chinese government funding in relation to the accused individuals’ research.

The university also confirmed full cooperation with federal law enforcement agencies.

“We strongly condemn any actions that seek to cause harm, threaten national security or undermine the university’s critical public mission,” the university stated.

The investigation remains ongoing, and federal prosecutors have not ruled out additional charges.

Both defendants are currently in federal custody.

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