Chinese couple arrested for smuggling crop-killing fungus into the US
PTC News Desk: A Chinese couple was arrested and charged in a federal criminal complaint after they attempted to smuggle a highly dangerous agricultural pathogen into the United States.
Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, both citizens of the People’s Republic of China, face charges of conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, making false statements, and visa fraud, the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan said on Tuesday.
“This case involves a fungus that poses a serious risk to global food security and public health,” said Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan.
“The alleged smuggling of this biological agent into an American research institution by foreign nationals is a matter of grave national security concern.”
The pathogen is responsible for destruction of crops globally resulting in billion dollar loss and it produces mycotoxins that can harm both human and livestock.
New... I can confirm that the FBI arrested a Chinese national within the United States who allegedly smuggled a dangerous biological pathogen into the country.
The individual, Yunqing Jian, is alleged to have smuggled a dangerous fungus called "Fusarium graminearum," which is an… — FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) June 3, 2025
Reacting to the arrests, FBI chief Kash Patel issued a stark warning about the broader implications of the case.
“This fungus can cause head blight, a devastating crop disease responsible for billions in losses globally,” said Kash Patel, who confirmed the arrest in a statement. “It poses significant health risks to both humans and livestock.”
- PTC NEWS
