Chinese nationals accused of smuggling 'agroterrorism weapon' fungus into US
Washington: Two Chinese nationals have been charged in the United States for allegedly smuggling a dangerous biological pathogen, Fusarium graminearum, into the country — a move authorities say poses a serious threat to national security, food safety, and public health.
According to a statement from the US Department of Justice, 34-year-old researcher Zunyong Liu and 33-year-old Yunqing Jian are accused of conspiring to smuggle the fungus into the US in July 2024. The fungus, which causes "head blight" in crops, is known to result in billions of dollars in agricultural losses annually and produces toxins harmful to humans and livestock.
Liu reportedly brought the pathogen during a visit to Jian, who was working at a University of Michigan laboratory. The FBI says Liu intended to conduct further research on the fungus at the university, and that both individuals had prior involvement in similar work in China.
The FBI's criminal complaint reveals the pair exchanged electronic communications that confirmed their intent, resulting in charges including conspiracy, smuggling, visa fraud, and making false statements.
Authorities also claim that Jian received Chinese government funding for her work on the fungus and that her electronic devices contained evidence of her affiliation with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, called the case “an imminent threat to public safety.” US Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr added, “These two aliens have been charged with smuggling a fungus that has been described as a potential agroterrorism weapon into the heartland of America.”
FBI Director Kash Patel, in a post on X, said the case highlighted broader concerns regarding Chinese state-sponsored infiltration of American research institutions. He warned that the CCP is “deploying operatives and researchers to target our food supply,” calling it a grave threat to lives and the economy.
The case surfaces amid heightened US-China tensions and follows the Trump administration’s recent announcement to revoke visas of Chinese students and researchers with alleged ties to the CCP. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that future visa scrutiny would increase, especially for those in sensitive fields or from Hong Kong.
The investigation was jointly conducted by the FBI and US Customs and Border Protection.
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Karnataka bypolls: Over 60 per cent voter turnout in Bagalkot, Davanagere South till 5 pm
Bengaluru (PTI): Over 60 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 5 pm in both Assembly constituencies in Karnataka, where bypolls were held on Thursday.
While the turnout in Bagalkot was 65.68 per cent, it was 63.04 per cent in Davanagere South.
While the ruling Congress faces the challenge of retaining both seats, the BJP aims to wrest them and deliver a setback to its rival, which is currently witnessing an "internal power struggle" over leadership.
The bypolls were necessitated due to the demise of senior Congress MLAs H Y Meti (Bagalkot) and Shamanur Shivashankarappa (Davanagere South).
A total of over 2.59 lakh eligible voters are expected to cast their votes at around 319 polling stations in Bagalkot, where nine candidates are in the fray.
In Davanagere South, over 2.31 lakh eligible voters are expected to vote across 284 polling stations, with 25 candidates contesting.
The BJP has fielded former MLA and 2023 defeated candidate Veerabhadrayya Charantimath from Bagalkot, and a fresh face, Srinivas T Dasakariyappa, from Davanagere South.
The Congress has given tickets to family members of the late legislators in both constituencies. Bagalkot candidate Umesh Meti is the son of H Y Meti, while Samarth Mallikarjun from Davanagere South is the grandson of Shamanur Shivashankarappa.
