Dawn N. Ison, U.S. Attorney | Department Of Justice Eastern District Of Michigan
Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, both citizens of China, face charges in the United States for conspiracy, smuggling goods into the country, making false statements, and visa fraud. This was announced by U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr., alongside Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI's Detroit Division and Marty C. Raybon from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The FBI has arrested Jian due to allegations that she and Liu smuggled Fusarium graminearum into the U.S. This fungus is considered a potential agroterrorism weapon because it causes "head blight" in crops like wheat and barley, leading to significant economic losses globally. The toxins from this fungus can also harm humans and livestock.
The complaint states that Jian received funding from the Chinese government for her research on this pathogen while in China. It also claims that Jian is a member of the Chinese Communist Party. Liu allegedly works at a Chinese university researching the same pathogen and admitted to smuggling it through Detroit Metropolitan Airport to conduct research at the University of Michigan where Jian worked.
U.S. Attorney Gorgon expressed concern over these actions, stating they pose significant national security risks. He emphasized that the accused individuals intended to use a University of Michigan laboratory for their activities.
Cheyvoryea Gibson highlighted that these charges represent an important step in protecting communities and national security. He praised the FBI Detroit Counterintelligence Task Force's investigative efforts in collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Marty C. Raybon stressed CBP's role in safeguarding against biological threats that could harm agriculture and human health. He acknowledged the complex investigation involving multiple CBP offices nationwide.
Jian is scheduled to appear in federal court in Detroit for her initial appearance regarding these charges.
The investigation by the FBI and CBP continues as authorities determine whether to seek a felony indictment once completed.
