Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan | Department of Justice
Yunqing Jian, a 33-year-old citizen of China, has pleaded guilty to smuggling a biological pathogen into the United States and providing false statements to FBI agents. She was sentenced to time served, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.
Jian was arrested in June after authorities linked her and her co-defendant, Zunyong Liu, to the illegal importation of Fusarium graminearum. This fungus is known for causing “head blight,” a disease that affects wheat, barley, maize, and rice crops. The economic impact of this disease is significant worldwide due to crop losses. In addition to its effect on agriculture, toxins produced by Fusarium graminearum can cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive problems in both humans and livestock.
Court documents indicate that Jian received funding from the Chinese government for her research on this pathogen while in China. Investigators also found evidence on Jian’s electronic devices showing her membership in and loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party. Her boyfriend and co-defendant Liu works at a university in China where he also researches this pathogen. He initially denied but later admitted smuggling Fusarium graminearum through Detroit Metropolitan Airport so it could be studied at the University of Michigan laboratory where Jian worked.
“We must stop Chinese Nationals who are smuggling potentially catastrophic biomaterials. We cannot allow these smugglers to work in the shadows at the University of Michigan. This felony conviction and sentence are a small but important measure against secret biological threats from China. We remain thankful for the work of our elite federal partners—ICE, HSI, FBI, and CBP,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon.
"Today’s guilty plea underscores the critical role CBP plays in protecting the United States from biological threats that could endanger public health and harm our agricultural economy,” said CBP Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon. “This case highlights the dangers posed by individuals attempting to smuggle potentially hazardous materials into the country, even under the guise of academic research. The successful resolution of this complex investigation, involving CBP offices nationwide and our federal partners, demonstrates our unwavering commitment to securing America’s borders and safeguarding national security. I commend the dedication and expertise of all those involved in bringing this case to justice."
“Smuggling biological pathogens into the United States from China is a threat to the citizens of Michigan and America as a whole,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “FBI Detroit works around the clock to disrupt any threats to national security no matter when and from where they come. This outcome would not be possible without the exceptional efforts of the FBI Detroit Counterintelligence Task Force, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations and HSI.”
The investigation was conducted by agents from both FBI Detroit Division and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
