Federal authorities announced charges against two Chinese nationals, including a University of Michigan research fellow, for allegedly smuggling a dangerous biological pathogen into the United States.

The case has raised significant concerns about national security and the potential threat to America’s agricultural economy.

Yunqing Jian, 33, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Michigan, and her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, 34, a researcher at a Chinese university, were charged with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, making false statements, and visa fraud.

The pathogen in question, Fusarium graminearum, is a fungus classified as a “potential agroterrorism weapon” due to its ability to devastate crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and rice, and to produce toxins that can cause vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive defects in humans and livestock.

According to the criminal complaint, Liu attempted to smuggle the pathogen through Detroit Metropolitan Airport on July 27, 2024, with the intent to conduct research at a University of Michigan laboratory where Jian worked.

Liu initially denied knowledge of the materials but later admitted to hiding samples in his backpack, concealed within tissues to avoid detection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.

The complaint further alleges that Jian, who received funding from the Chinese government for her work on the pathogen in China, falsely claimed she was unaware of Liu’s actions.

However, electronic communications between the two revealed discussions about shipping biological materials to the laboratory, contradicting her statements.

FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the severity of the incident, stating, “This case is a sobering reminder that the Chinese Communist Party continues to deploy operatives and researchers to infiltrate our institutions and target our food supply, an act that could cripple our economy and endanger American lives.”

Patel commended the FBI Detroit Division and CBP for their efforts in intercepting the biological threat before it could cause harm.

The complaint also alleges that Jian’s electronics contained information indicating her membership in and loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party, adding a layer of complexity to the case.

U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon described the actions of Jian and Liu as “of the gravest national security concerns,” noting their intent to use a University of Michigan laboratory to further their scheme.

CBP Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon highlighted the agency’s critical role in protecting the U.S. from biological threats, particularly when they involve researchers from major universities attempting to bring harmful materials into the country.

Jian was arrested by the FBI and made her initial court appearance in Detroit on June 3, 2025. It remains unclear whether Liu, who was turned away at the Detroit airport and returned to China in July 2024, is in custody.

The case marks the second time in a week that a Chinese national associated with the University of Michigan has faced federal charges, following an earlier incident involving a student accused of illegally voting in the November 2024 election.

The University of Michigan has not yet responded to requests for comment on Jian’s employment status or the incident.

The ongoing investigation by the FBI and CBP underscores the broader concerns about foreign researchers and the potential risks to national security posed by the smuggling of dangerous biological agents.