The fungus, Fusarium graminearum, damages crops and poses health risks to humans and livestock, the FBI warned.
Two Chinese researchers face serious charges for attempting to smuggle a dangerous fungus into the United States, the Justice Department announced. The fungus, known to harm major crops, is seen as a potential agroterrorism threat, sparking fears about biosecurity and immigration policies.
Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, have been charged with conspiracy, smuggling, false statements, and visa fraud. They allegedly tried to bring into the US a fungus called Fusarium graminearum.
This fungus causes “head blight,” a disease that devastates wheat, barley, maize, and rice crops worldwide. According to the FBI, it is considered a “potential agroterrorism weapon” because of its capacity to cause extensive agricultural damage.
The fungus not only destroys crops but also produces toxins harmful to humans and animals. It can cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive problems, making it a serious health risk. The FBI warns that the fungus causes billions of dollars in losses annually due to crop damage.
Jian has already appeared in court and is currently held in jail awaiting a bond hearing. Liu was stopped at Detroit airport in July 2024 after suspicious material was found in his backpack. During questioning, Liu first denied knowing about the plant samples but later admitted they were for research at the University of Michigan. Jian worked at this university lab, and Liu had also previously worked there.
FBI uncovers evidence of research and illegal import
The FBI’s investigation revealed that Jian and Liu had both worked with Fusarium graminearum in China before attempting to bring it to the US. Authorities found a scientific paper on Liu’s phone titled “Plant-Pathogen Warfare under Changing Climate Conditions,” suggesting a research interest in aggressive plant diseases
Messages exchanged between Jian and Liu in 2024 indicated Jian was already handling the fungus at the university lab before Liu was caught.
However, the University of Michigan does not have federal permits to handle such dangerous pathogens. This raises serious questions about how the fungus was being used and controlled in the lab. Because the US lacks an extradition treaty with China, Liu is unlikely to face arrest unless he returns to the US voluntarily.
National security and immigration crackdown
US Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr called the case a “national security” issue, highlighting Jian’s membership in the Chinese Communist Party.
He said, “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.”
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