U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers detained Zunyong Liu, 34, at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in July 2023. He was caught carrying Fusarium graminearum, a plant pathogen that damages crops like wheat, maize, and rice and can release toxins harmful to humans and animals.

According to a federal complaint filed in Michigan’s Eastern District, Zunyong Liu initially denied knowledge of the substance. However, she later confessed he brought it for his girlfriend, Yunqing Jian, a 33-year-old researcher at the University of Michigan.

Authorities say Jian has conducted research on the same pathogen in China with funding from the Chinese government and is affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party, the NY Post reported.

Investigators believe Zunyong Liu and Yunqing Jian had communicated about transporting biological materials before Liu’s arrival, and suspect Jian was previously involved in similar activities. Both face charges including conspiracy, smuggling, and visa fraud.

U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. called the case a “serious threat to national security.” The University of Michigan stated it had no financial ties to the Chinese government in this case. The institution is cooperating fully with federal authorities. Jian is expected in federal court this week.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon stated, “Today’s criminal charges levied upon Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu are indicative of CBP’s critical role in protecting the American people from biological threats that could devastate our agricultural economy.

#Clique, what are your thoughts?