The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested a Chinese national, Yunqing Jian, for allegedly smuggling a dangerous biological pathogen into the United States to conduct research at the University of Michigan.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Jian smuggled Fusarium graminearum, a dangerous fungus classified as an agroterrorism agent.
“I can confirm that the FBI arrested a Chinese national within the United States who allegedly smuggled a dangerous biological pathogen into the country,” confirmed the FBI Director, Kash Patel.
FBI explains on the smuggled pathogen
The fungus is said to cause a plant disease known as “head blight,” which affects key crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and rice, leading to major agricultural losses and health risks to humans and livestock, as the Federal Bureau of Investigation Director noted.
The FBI Director stated that Fusarium graminearum is responsible for billions of dollars in global economic damage annually.
“This fungus can cause a disease called ‘head blight,’ a disease of wheat, barley, maize, and rice, causing significant health issues in both humans and livestock,” he explained.
Investigations have revealed that Jian had received funding from the Chinese government for similar research on the pathogen in China and had expressed loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party.
“Evidence also indicates Jian had expressed loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party and had received funding from the Chinese government for similar work on this pathogen in China.”
FBI associates Chineese government with the smuggling
Jian’s boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, has also been implicated in the case. Liu, who is affiliated with a university in China, allegedly smuggled the same fungus into the United States via the Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
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He initially denied the claims but later admitted to smuggling, intending to conduct research alongside Jian at the University of Michigan.
Both Jian and Liu have been charged with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, making false statements, and visa fraud.
FBI calls for further investigations
“This case is a sobering reminder that the CCP is working around the clock to deploy operatives and researchers to infiltrate American institutions and target our food supply, which would have grave consequences,” the Federal Bureau of Investigation Director stated.
“Your FBI will continue working tirelessly to be on guard against it,” he added.
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The operation involved collaboration between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The Federal Bureau of Investigation Detroit team has been credited for their efforts in identifying and apprehending the individuals involved.
“Our @FBIDetroit team did excellent work in this case partnering with @CBP,” the FBI Director said in a post.
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