Chinese nationals accused of smuggling 'dangerous biological pathogen' into US
Summary
Two Chinese nationals have been accused of trying to smuggle a harmful fungus into the U.S. The U.S. Attorney's Office says the fungus, which might be used as a weapon against crops, could cause economic and health problems. The investigation involved the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.Key Facts
- Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, face charges of conspiracy, smuggling, false statements, and visa fraud.
- They allegedly tried to bring the fungus through Detroit airport to study it at a University of Michigan lab.
- The fungus, Fusarium graminearum, can harm crops like wheat and rice and cause health issues if it contaminates food.
- It is considered a "potential agroterrorism weapon" because it can cause massive crop damage.
- Officials say the fungus leads to huge economic losses worldwide each year.
- Ms. Jian allegedly received funding from the Chinese government and is claimed to be a Chinese Communist Party member.
- The accusations are described as serious national security concerns by U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr.
- The University of Michigan and the Chinese embassy have been contacted for comments.
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