Kash Patel: FBI Arrests Two Chinese Researchers for Smuggling Dangerous Fungus 'Fusarium graminearum' into the U.S

FBI Arrests Two Chinese Nationals for Smuggling Dangerous Fungus into the U.S., Says Director Kash Patel

FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Tuesday that two Chinese nationals have been arrested in the United States for allegedly smuggling a hazardous biological pathogen into the country.

In a post on X, Patel stated, “New... I can confirm that the FBI arrested a Chinese national within the United States who allegedly smuggled a dangerous biological pathogen into the country.”

Patel identified the individual as Yunqing Jian, who is accused of illegally bringing a fungus known as Fusarium graminearum into the U.S. for research purposes at the University of Michigan, where she is employed. He described the fungus as a potential agroterrorism agent capable of causing 'head blight'—a disease that affects wheat, barley, maize, and rice. The infection poses health risks to both humans and livestock and is responsible for billions of dollars in agricultural losses globally each year.

Evidence of Chinese Government Links

The FBI director further revealed that Jian had pledged allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and had received funding from the Chinese government for similar pathogen research conducted in China.

According to Patel, Jian’s boyfriend, Zunyong Liu—also named in the complaint—works at a university in China, where he researches the same fungus. Liu is accused of initially lying about his activities but later admitting to smuggling Fusarium graminearum into the U.S. through Detroit Metropolitan Airport in order to carry out research at the University of Michigan as well.

Both Jian and Liu now face multiple charges, including conspiracy, smuggling, providing false statements, and visa fraud.

Warning About CCP Infiltration

Patel described the case as a stark reminder of the CCP’s strategy to embed operatives and researchers into U.S. institutions, with the aim of undermining national security and endangering the American food supply and economy.

“The FBI will remain vigilant,” Patel emphasized. “Our team at @FBIDetroit did outstanding work on this case in partnership with @CBP. Justice will be served.”

Context: Rising U.S.–China Trade Tensions

These arrests come at a time of escalating trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. On Monday, China’s Ministry of Commerce strongly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that Beijing had reneged on a deal to reduce tariffs reached during negotiations in Geneva, calling the allegations “groundless” and the U.S. accusations “unreasonable.”

China also condemned what it sees as unilateral and discriminatory U.S. trade measures, including new export controls on AI chips, restrictions on chip design software, and the revocation of student visas for Chinese nationals.

Last week, Trump took to TruthSocial to declare he would no longer be “Mr. Nice Guy” with China, citing violations of the trade agreement, though he offered no specifics. Later, during an Oval Office briefing, Trump said he planned to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping in hopes of resolving the dispute.