In a notable national security breakthrough, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has indicted two Chinese nationals for smuggling a deadly fungus into the United States. The authorities claim that the suspects intended to utilize the toxic pathogen, Fusarium graminearum, in an illicit research study that has serious implications for human health as well as the agricultural economy.
The FBI verified that Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, did conspire to import the fungus without obtaining proper federal permission. Authorities arrested the two on charges of conspiracy, smuggling, giving false statements, and visa fraud. The US authorities currently hold Jian in custody, while Liu remains at large.
“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,” US Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. stated.
Fungus Presents Economic and Health Risks
Scientific research indicates Fusarium graminearum causes a plant disease called “head blight” that infects staple crops like wheat, barley, maize, and rice. The pathogen has already been the cause of billions of dollars in agricultural losses worldwide.
In addition to financial loss, the fungus releases toxins that threaten human and animal health. “This noxious fungus causes ‘head blight,’ a disease of wheat, barley, maize, and rice, and is responsible for billions of dollars in economic losses worldwide each year. Fusarium graminearum’s toxins cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects in humans and livestock,” the US Department of Justice stated.
Evidence of Intent and CCP Link
During their probe, FBI agents found an article entitled “Plant-Pathogen Warfare under Changing Climate Conditions” in Liu’s mobile phone. The FBI also learned that one of the suspects, Zunyong Liu, holds membership in the Chinese Communist Party, a fact that raises more questions about potential government connections to the smuggling racket.
The pair allegedly intended to conduct research using lab space at the University of Michigan, where Jian worked. The university, however, did not have the necessary federal approvals to perform research using the pathogen.
