United States: In a startling turn of events revealed by federal prosecutors, Yunqing Jian, a 33-year-old postdoctoral researcher based at the University of Michigan, and her 34-year-old partner Zunyong Liu are facing sweeping criminal allegations. They are accused of covertly introducing a hazardous biological agent into the US — a pathogen feared for its ruthless impact on crops.

As unveiled in court papers recently made public, the duo is charged with conspiring to deceive federal authorities, unlawfully importing restricted biological material, and misleading investigators with false declarations.

The incident unfolded last July at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, where border agents intercepted Liu upon arrival. During a meticulous inspection, officials reportedly uncovered small reddish clusters hidden deep within his belongings — concealed inside four tiny plastic packets wrapped in tissues. The material was later identified as Fusarium graminearum, a destructive fungal strain infamous for ravaging grain harvests and causing large-scale economic upheaval, according to NBC News.

Records indicate both Liu and Jian had prior academic involvement with this fungus while studying at Chinese institutions. Since 2023, Jian had been working within Michigan’s Molecular Plant-Microbe Interaction Laboratory, a prestigious research unit dealing with plant biology.

Initially, Liu claimed ignorance — stating someone must’ve clandestinely slipped the samples into his baggage. But his story soon unraveled. The complaint alleges Liu later confessed to deliberately hiding the material, aware of the legal restrictions, and hoping to sidestep detection to resume experiments in the United States.

“Liu revealed he intentionally concealed the samples in tissue to avoid seizure by customs officers, fully intending to use the University’s lab facilities for ongoing research,” the report asserts.

When confronted, Jian distanced herself, denying foreknowledge of the smuggling or any involvement. However, a deeper probe of their digital footprints painted a different picture. Investigators found a 2022 WeChat thread where the couple discussed strategies for covertly importing seeds. One of Liu’s messages reads, “I put them in my Martin boots… in a tiny ziplock. Really small.” Jian responded supportively: “That’s good. Just tuck it in your shoes.”

During Tuesday’s federal hearing, Jian was ordered detained due to her perceived flight risk. Meanwhile, Liu was reportedly turned away at the border and remains elusive.

The investigation is spearheaded by the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division, underlining the gravity of the case, as per NBC News.

According to court filings, Fusarium graminearum generates toxins capable of causing severe health issues — from gastrointestinal distress to reproductive harm — in both animals and humans. Beyond its health implications, it inflicts multibillion-dollar losses on the global agriculture industry annually.

US Attorney Jerome Gorgon didn’t mince words, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. “The alleged behavior by these Chinese nationals — one reportedly aligned with the Chinese Communist Party — poses a deep and dangerous risk to our national security,” he stated.

In response, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it lacked awareness of the case. Spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated that Beijing demands its citizens abroad follow local laws while insisting on protecting their legal rights.

The University of Michigan also released a statement, condemning any act that compromises safety or tarnishes its mission. They clarified that no Chinese government funding was connected to the accused individuals’ research and affirmed ongoing cooperation with federal authorities.