AGROTERRORISM

Chinese Couple Arrested for Smuggling Crop-Destroying Fungus Into U.S.

Fusarium graminearum, a potent pathogen that devastates crops, is also dangerous to humans.

A Chinese scientist working at the University of Michigan has been arrested for allegedly smuggling a dangerous crop-killing fungus into the U.S. Yunqing Jian, 33, is accused of illegally importing Fusarium graminearum, a potent pathogen that devastates crops like wheat, corn, and rice. The fungus is known to cause Fusarium head blight, a disease that not only destroys yields but also contaminates food supplies with toxins harmful to humans and animals. According to FBI Director Kash Patel, Jian is believed to have been working under the direction of the Chinese Communist Party and received state funding for similar research in China. Her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, 34, also faces charges after allegedly smuggling the same fungus through Detroit Metro Airport to study at the same university, in July last year. Liu initially denied any wrongdoing before reportedly admitting to the smuggling. Both are charged with conspiracy, smuggling, false statements, and visa fraud. Liu is believed to be in China. “This is a sobering reminder that the CCP is working around the clock to deploy operatives and researchers to infiltrate American institutions and target our food supply,” Patel said. “The risks to lives and the economy are real.”