In a chilling breach of national security, federal authorities in Detroit have charged two Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, with orchestrating a sophisticated scheme to smuggle a dangerous biological pathogen into the United States. The allegations, detailed in a criminal complaint unsealed on June 3, 2025, paint a disturbing picture of a plot that could have jeopardized America’s agricultural backbone and public health. The accused face charges of conspiracy, smuggling, making false statements, and visa fraud, raising urgent questions about the vulnerabilities in academic research and border security.
The pathogen at the heart of this case is Fusarium graminearum, a destructive fungus notorious for causing “head blight” in staple crops like wheat, barley, maize, and rice. This disease devastates harvests, leading to billions of dollars in global economic losses annually. Beyond its agricultural impact, the fungus produces toxins that pose severe health risks to humans and livestock, including vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive issues. Scientific literature has flagged Fusarium graminearum as a potential agroterrorism weapon due to its capacity to cripple food systems and destabilize economies. The gravity of this threat underscores the seriousness of the charges against Jian and Liu.
Yunqing Jian, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Michigan, is alleged to have played a central role in the scheme. Employed in a laboratory specializing in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology, Jian reportedly received funding from a Chinese foundation, largely supported by the Chinese government, to study this very pathogen while in China. Federal investigators uncovered digital evidence on her devices, including a signed statement affirming her loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This revelation has fueled concerns about foreign influence in American academic institutions, particularly in sensitive research areas.
Her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, a researcher at Zhejiang University in China, is accused of attempting to smuggle samples of Fusarium graminearum into the U.S. through Detroit Metropolitan Airport in July 2024. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered suspicious red plant material and filter paper in Liu’s backpack, which later tested positive for the fungus. Initially, Liu denied knowledge of the materials, claiming they might have been placed in his bag by someone else. Under questioning, he admitted to intentionally concealing the samples—hiding them in tissues to evade detection—intending to conduct unauthorized research in Jian’s University of Michigan lab. Liu was denied entry and returned to China, but the investigation into his actions and Jian’s involvement intensified.
The FBI’s probe revealed troubling details about the couple’s activities. Messages exchanged between Jian and Liu in 2024 suggest that Jian was already cultivating Fusarium graminearum in the university lab before Liu’s attempted smuggling. When confronted by FBI agents in February 2025, Jian denied assisting Liu with the pathogen, but her electronic communications contradicted her claims. Further, a scientific article titled “Plant-Pathogen Warfare under Changing Climate Conditions” found on Liu’s phone raised suspicions about the couple’s intentions, though no direct evidence of bioterrorism has been publicly disclosed.
U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. described the case as a stark reminder of the national security risks posed by such actions. “The alleged involvement of individuals with ties to the Chinese Communist Party, smuggling a potential biological weapon into a U.S. research facility, is deeply alarming,” he said. FBI Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of the FBI Detroit Counterintelligence Task Force and Customs and Border Protection in thwarting the scheme. “This was not a minor infraction but a deliberate act with potentially catastrophic consequences,” Gibson stated.
The University of Michigan, where Jian worked, issued a statement condemning any actions that threaten national security or public safety. The institution noted that it lacks federal permits to handle Fusarium graminearum, highlighting the unauthorized nature of the alleged research. Jian, who holds a doctorate in plant pathogens from Zhejiang University, appeared in federal court in Detroit on June 3, 2025, and remains in custody pending a bond hearing. Liu’s current status remains unclear, with no public confirmation of his whereabouts or detention.
This case marks the second time in a week that a Chinese national affiliated with the University of Michigan has faced federal charges, intensifying scrutiny of foreign researchers in U.S. institutions. Authorities stress that the charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. As the investigation continues, prosecutors will weigh whether to pursue felony indictments, potentially escalating the consequences for Jian and Liu.
The implications of this case extend far beyond Detroit. The smuggling of a pathogen with agroterrorism potential raises critical concerns about the security of America’s food supply and the oversight of sensitive research. With global agricultural stability at stake, the FBI and Customs and Border Protection remain vigilant, underscoring the need for robust safeguards to protect the nation from such covert threats. As this story unfolds, it serves as a sobering reminder of the delicate balance between scientific collaboration and national security.
