A Chinese researcher at the University of Michigan and her boyfriend have been charged with smuggling a highly dangerous agricultural pathogen into the United States, according to federal court documents unsealed on Tuesday.
Yunqing Jian, 33, a postdoctoral fellow at the university, and her boyfriend Zunyong Liu, 34, are accused of conspiring to import Fusarium graminearum, a fungus that causes severe crop diseases and is considered a potential agroterrorism threat.
The fungus is known to damage wheat, barley, maize, and rice. It was discovered hidden in Liu’s backpack during an inspection at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Officers found four plastic baggies of the reddish plant material concealed in tissues.
According to NBC News, officials further allege that Jian received funding from the Chinese government for her research on the pathogen in China. They also claim she is a member of the Chinese Communist Party.
“Liu stated that he intentionally hid the samples in his backpack because he knew there were restrictions on the importation of the materials,” the complaint says. “Liu confirmed that he had intentionally put the samples in a wad of tissues so CBP Officers would be less likely to find and confiscate them, and he could continue his research in the United States.”
Text messages from 2022 suggest the couple discussed smuggling seeds previously. Jian has been denied bail and labelled a flight risk. Liu remains outside the country, NBC News reported.
U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon called the charges “of the gravest national security concerns.” The FBI’s Counterintelligence Division is leading the investigation.