What happens when science meets national security concerns?
Two Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, find themselves at the center of a serious smuggling case in the US.
They are accused of bringing in a fungus described by officials as a “dangerous biological pathogen.”
The fungus, Fusarium graminearum, might sound harmless, but it’s a major threat to crops like wheat, barley, maize, and rice.
Experts warn it can devastate harvests and even cause vomiting and liver damage if it contaminates food.
The US Attorney’s Office called it a “potential agroterrorism weapon,” responsible for billions in global losses each year.
What’s The Twist?
Here’s the twist: Liu allegedly tried to smuggle the fungus through Detroit airport to study it at the University of Michigan, where Jian worked.
The funding was reportedly linked to the Chinese government.
US Attorney Jerome Gorgon didn’t mince words, calling the case one of the “gravest national security concerns.”
The FBI and Customs joined forces on this investigation amid rising US-China tensions.
Recent visa crackdowns and trade disputes added fuel to the fire.
