CITIZENS NEWS

Chinese nationals charged with smuggling deadly crop fungus into U.S. in agroterrorism plot

By isabelle // 2025-06-04

• A Chinese couple with alleged CCP ties was charged with smuggling Fusarium graminearum, a dangerous agroterrorism pathogen, into the U.S. via Detroit Airport.
• The fungus threatens wheat, barley, and maize crops, causing billions in losses and posing severe health risks to humans and livestock.
• The couple conspired to deliver the pathogen for undisclosed research, with evidence of prior smuggling attempts and CCP loyalty.
• The University of Michigan denied involvement, but the case raises concerns about foreign exploitation of U.S. academic labs.
• Experts warn agroterrorism could destabilize food security, prompting calls for stricter oversight of foreign researchers.

A Chinese couple with alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party has been charged with smuggling a dangerous biological pathogen into the United States, raising alarms over potential agroterrorism threats. Zunyong Liu, 34, was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Detroit Metropolitan Airport last July attempting to bring Fusarium graminearum, a fungus described as a "potential agroterrorism weapon", into the country. His girlfriend, Yunqing Jian, 33, a University of Michigan researcher, allegedly conspired with him to receive the pathogen for undisclosed research purposes. Both now face charges including conspiracy, smuggling, false statements, and visa fraud. The case highlights growing concerns about foreign adversaries exploiting U.S. academic institutions to advance biological threats against American agriculture and food security.

A dangerous pathogen with devastating potential

Fusarium graminearum is no ordinary fungus. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, it causes "head blight," a disease that ravages wheat, barley, maize, and rice crops, leading to billions in global economic losses annually. Worse, the toxins it produces can induce vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects in humans and livestock if contaminated crops are consumed. Scientific literature classifies the fungus as a potential agroterrorism weapon due to its ability to cripple food supplies. If weaponized, it could devastate American farms, disrupt food chains, and inflict severe economic harm. "The alleged actions of these Chinese nationals—including a loyal member of the Chinese Communist Party—are of the gravest national security concerns," said U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. in a statement. "These two aliens have been charged with smuggling a fungus that has been described as a 'potential agroterrorism weapon' into the heartland of America."

Couple has a history of deception and smuggling

Liu initially lied to authorities about his knowledge of the pathogen but later admitted he intended to deliver it to Jian, who worked at a University of Michigan laboratory. Investigators found electronic communications between the couple discussing the shipment of biological materials prior to Liu’s arrival. Shockingly, evidence suggests Jian had previously smuggled biological materials into the U.S. A signed statement on her phone confirmed her loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party, while Liu reportedly conducted research on the same pathogen at a Chinese university. "These individuals exploited their access to laboratory facilities at a local university to engage in the smuggling of biological pathogens, an act that posed an imminent threat to public safety," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. The University of Michigan issued a statement distancing itself from the accused, claiming it received "no funding from the Chinese government in relation to research conducted by the accused individuals." The university pledged cooperation with federal authorities but emphasized that its lab lacked permits to handle Fusarium graminearum. Despite these assurances, the case raises troubling questions about foreign infiltration of U.S. academic institutions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently announced plans to revoke visas of Chinese students with CCP ties, signaling heightened scrutiny of potential espionage risks. This incident is not isolated. Experts warn that hostile nations could deploy biological agents to destabilize food supplies in a tactic known as agroterrorism. The FBI affidavit notes that Jian and Liu’s actions fit a pattern of clandestine biological smuggling, suggesting prior undisclosed operations. Jian appeared in federal court and remains detained pending a bond hearing. Liu, however, remains in China, where U.S. extradition is unlikely due to the lack of a treaty. The case underscores vulnerabilities in U.S. biosecurity and the need for stricter oversight of foreign researchers. As global tensions escalate, America’s food supply should be a national security priority. Sources for this article include: NYPost.com Breitbart.com EndOfTheAmericanDream.com APNews.com

China national security terrorism toxins food supply fungus dangerous WWIII CCP biological agents agroterrorism