Two High-Level NIH Researchers Caught Smuggling Monkeypox: FBI
Summary
Two foreign researchers working at the National Institutes of Health are charged with smuggling monkeypox virus samples into the United States and lying to customs officers. They brought over 100 vials from the Republic of Congo without proper permission, raising concerns about safety rules at U.S. labs.Key Facts
- The two accused are Vincent Munster from the Netherlands and Claude Kwe from Cameroon.
- They worked at the NIH’s Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Montana, which studies dangerous diseases.
- They traveled to Congo during a monkeypox outbreak and returned to the U.S. in January.
- Customs officers found 113 virus sample vials in their luggage at Detroit airport.
- The researchers said their case only contained testing equipment, which was false.
- Transporting monkeypox requires permits and strict documentation by law.
- The men face charges of smuggling and making false statements to federal agents.
- The FBI, Customs and Border Protection, and Health and Human Services are involved in the ongoing investigation.
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