FBI ARRESTS TWO CHINESE CITIZENS AND CHARGE THEM WITH SMUGGLING DANGEROUS BIOLOGICAL PATHOGENS INTO THE UNITED STATES
National News - In a significant development regarding national security, Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, citizens of the People's Republic of China, have been arrested and charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, making false statements, and visa fraud.
This announcement was made by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., in collaboration with key federal agencies.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has taken Yunqing Jian into custody in connection with allegations that she smuggled a harmful fungus, Fusarium graminearum, into the United States. This fungus, often described in scientific literature as a potential agroterrorism weapon, poses significant risks to critical crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and rice, potentially resulting in substantial global economic losses. Its toxins can cause serious health issues in both humans and livestock.
According to the filed complaint, Jian received support from the Chinese government for her research on Fusarium graminearum in China. Additional allegations suggest that her electronic devices contained information indicating her association with and loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party.
Zunyong Liu, her boyfriend, is accused of smuggling the fungus into the country through Detroit Metropolitan Airport, with the intention of advancing their research at the University of Michigan, where Jian was employed.
U.S. Attorney Gorgon expressed deep concerns, emphasizing the severity of the charges: "The alleged actions of these Chinese nationals are of the gravest national security concerns." He highlighted the risk posed by the smuggling of a potential agroterrorism agent into the nation's agricultural heartland.
Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, noted the critical nature of the charges within the broader context of national security efforts. "These individuals exploited their access to laboratory facilities, an act that posed an imminent threat to public safety," he stated, commending the collaboration that led to the interruption of these activities.
Marty C. Raybon, Director of Field Operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, echoed the seriousness of the charges, emphasizing the agency's ongoing commitment to protecting the American people from such biological threats. He acknowledged the complexity of the investigation and the cooperation across multiple CBP offices and federal agencies.
Jian is scheduled for her initial court appearance in Detroit as the investigation continues. It is important to note that a complaint serves as a charge and is not evidence of guilt, with further legal evaluations pending.
Disclaimer: This article contains content regarding an individual formally charged with a crime or traffic violation. It is important to underline that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This announcement was made by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., in collaboration with key federal agencies.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has taken Yunqing Jian into custody in connection with allegations that she smuggled a harmful fungus, Fusarium graminearum, into the United States. This fungus, often described in scientific literature as a potential agroterrorism weapon, poses significant risks to critical crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and rice, potentially resulting in substantial global economic losses. Its toxins can cause serious health issues in both humans and livestock.
According to the filed complaint, Jian received support from the Chinese government for her research on Fusarium graminearum in China. Additional allegations suggest that her electronic devices contained information indicating her association with and loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party.
Zunyong Liu, her boyfriend, is accused of smuggling the fungus into the country through Detroit Metropolitan Airport, with the intention of advancing their research at the University of Michigan, where Jian was employed.
U.S. Attorney Gorgon expressed deep concerns, emphasizing the severity of the charges: "The alleged actions of these Chinese nationals are of the gravest national security concerns." He highlighted the risk posed by the smuggling of a potential agroterrorism agent into the nation's agricultural heartland.
Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, noted the critical nature of the charges within the broader context of national security efforts. "These individuals exploited their access to laboratory facilities, an act that posed an imminent threat to public safety," he stated, commending the collaboration that led to the interruption of these activities.
Marty C. Raybon, Director of Field Operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, echoed the seriousness of the charges, emphasizing the agency's ongoing commitment to protecting the American people from such biological threats. He acknowledged the complexity of the investigation and the cooperation across multiple CBP offices and federal agencies.
Jian is scheduled for her initial court appearance in Detroit as the investigation continues. It is important to note that a complaint serves as a charge and is not evidence of guilt, with further legal evaluations pending.
Disclaimer: This article contains content regarding an individual formally charged with a crime or traffic violation. It is important to underline that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
