FBI Arrests Chinese Couple for Smuggling Pathogen Threatening US Agriculture

Two Chinese nationals, University of Michigan researcher Yunqing Jian and her boyfriend Zunyong Liu, were arrested for attempting to smuggle Fusarium graminearum, a dangerous fungal pathogen classified as a potential agro-terrorism weapon, into the United States. The fungus causes severe damage to crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and rice, resulting in billions of dollars in economic losses annually, and also poses health risks to humans and livestock. Liu admitted to smuggling the pathogen through Detroit Metropolitan Airport to conduct research at the University of Michigan lab where Jian worked. Jian had previously received funding from the Chinese Communist Party for her research on the fungus, and her electronics contained links to the CCP. FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the case as evidence of CCP operatives attempting to infiltrate American institutions and threaten the U.S. food supply, warning of the serious risks to American lives and the economy. U.S. authorities called the incident a grave national security concern and pledged continued vigilance against such threats.