Grand Rapids, MI — Federal authorities have charged two Chinese nationals with smuggling a dangerous agricultural pathogen into the United States, raising concerns about potential bioterrorism threats. The individuals, identified as Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, are accused of conspiring to bring the toxic fungus Fusarium graminearum into the country without authorization.
The FBI revealed in court filings that the pathogen, known for attacking vital crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and rice, poses a serious risk to both agriculture and public health. The fungus can also sicken livestock and humans. According to a scientific journal cited by investigators, Fusarium graminearum has been described as a “potential agroterrorism weapon.”
Authorities allege that Liu attempted to smuggle the fungus into the United States last year, carrying it in his backpack as he passed through Detroit Metropolitan Airport. After being interrogated by federal agents, Liu was turned away and sent back to China in July 2024 following inconsistencies in his statements regarding the samples.
Investigators found that Liu claimed he intended to use the fungus for research purposes at a University of Michigan laboratory where Jian was employed and where Liu had previously worked. The FBI also uncovered a scientific article on Liu’s phone titled “Plant-Pathogen Warfare under Changing Climate Conditions,” suggesting research interest in the pathogen’s applications.
A week before Liu’s attempted entry, investigators noted text messages exchanged between him and Jian. In one message, Jian expressed frustration, stating, “It’s a pity that I still have to work for you,” to which Liu responded, “Once this is done, everything else will be easy.”
In February 2025, FBI agents questioned Jian at the University of Michigan lab about her involvement with the fungus. She denied assisting Liu with the pathogen, but agents discovered a signed statement on her phone expressing her support for the Chinese Communist Party. Additional messages indicate Jian was already handling the fungus at the lab prior to Liu’s attempted entry, despite the lab lacking the necessary federal permits to possess the organism.
U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. condemned the alleged actions, calling them “of the gravest national security concerns,” particularly highlighting Jian’s affiliation with the Chinese Communist Party.
Jian appeared in court and was remanded to jail pending a bond hearing scheduled for Thursday. Liu remains in China, with U.S. officials noting the absence of an extradition treaty between the United States and China, making his arrest unlikely unless he returns to the country.
The case has underscored heightened vigilance among U.S. authorities regarding the potential misuse of biological agents and the importance of securing agricultural and public health assets against foreign threats.
