Two Chinese nationals face federal charges for allegedly smuggling a dangerous agricultural pathogen into Michigan from China.

Chinese Nationals Accused of Smuggling Pathogen into Michigan Lab

DETROIT — Two researchers from the People’s Republic of China have been charged in a federal criminal complaint with smuggling a high-risk biological pathogen into the United States to use in research at a University of Michigan laboratory. The case, unveiled June 3, centers on allegations of smuggling, false statements, visa fraud, and conspiracy, raising serious national security and public safety concerns.

Fusarium Graminearum: A Dangerous Agricultural Pathogen

The pathogen at the center of the case is Fusarium graminearum, a toxic fungus known for causing “head blight” in wheat, corn, and barley. The disease has caused billions in crop losses globally and produces toxins harmful to humans and livestock, including vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive issues. The U.S. government considers it a potential agroterrorism agent due to its ability to cripple food production.

Federal Charges Filed in Detroit Against Visiting Researchers

The criminal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan charges 33-year-old Yunqing Jian and 34-year-old Zunyong Liu, both Chinese citizens, with illegally bringing the pathogen into the U.S. through Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Jian is accused of using her position at a University of Michigan lab to conduct research on the fungus, while Liu, a researcher at a Chinese university, allegedly smuggled the material and later admitted to it under questioning.

According to the government, Jian’s electronic devices contained documents detailing her allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party and her prior receipt of Chinese state funding for pathogen research.

Federal Officials Call Case a ‘Grave National Security Concern’

U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. described the case as “of the gravest national security concerns,” noting the potential for harm posed by transporting a known biohazard into the agricultural Midwest.

FBI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson emphasized the risk, stating that the suspects “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.”

CBP Confirms Cross-Agency Investigation

The investigation involved extensive coordination among U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offices across the country. Marty C. Raybon, CBP Director of Field Operations, said the charges underscore the agency’s critical role in intercepting threats at U.S. ports of entry.

“This was a complex investigation… I’m grateful for their tireless efforts,” Raybon said. “This is about protecting the American people from biological threats that could devastate our agricultural economy and cause harm to humans.”

University of Michigan Remains Unnamed but Implicated

Although the University of Michigan is named in the complaint, no university officials have been charged, and there is no public indication the university was aware of the alleged illegal activities. The U.S. Department of Justice has not announced whether additional actions will be taken against the institution.

Jian Makes Initial Court Appearance

Jian was scheduled for an initial court appearance in Detroit on June 3. Liu’s court status was not disclosed in the DOJ release. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized that the complaint is a charge, not evidence of guilt. A determination on a felony indictment will follow after the investigation concludes.

Related National Security Cases Involving Research Institutions

This case is one of several in recent years where visiting researchers from foreign countries have faced allegations of stealing or illegally importing sensitive research materials or intellectual property. In 2020, a series of prosecutions involving ties between Chinese researchers and state-funded projects led to federal crackdowns on university research protocols and visa vetting.

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