'Agroterrorism Weapon': FBI accuses Chinese researchers of sneaking in fungus that could threaten US agriculture

Agriculture

The US has accused two scientists from China of sneaking in fungus that could have been a potential weapon of ‘agroterrorism’. The US Justice Department said that while the two researchers -  Yunqing Jian(33) and Zunyong Liu(34) – said that they had brought the toxic fungus for study purpose, the Federal Bureau of Investigation says that the fungus in question has been classified as “potential agroterrorism weapon.”

Both researchers have been charged with false statements, conspiracy, visa fraud and smuggling by the eastern district of Michigan. The charges were confirmed in an official statement by the district administration.

What toxic fungus was smuggled in US? 

The fungus in question has been identified as Fusarium graminearum. The US officials said that the infection from the fungus can trigger “head blight”, which is a disease of rice, maize, wheat, and barley. In a statement on the arrest, FBI director Kash Patel said that it was an attack on US food supply. “Smuggling a known agroterrorism agent into the US is not just a violation of law, it’s a direct threat to national security,” Patel was quoted as saying.

Past records of Chinese researchers 

According to the complaint, Jian and Liu, her boyfriend, had both previously conducted work on the fungus in China.

As per the officials, Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu are in a relationship and past records show both carrying out work on the said fungus back home in China. In fact, last year, Zunyong Liu was sent back to China after officials rejected his entry at the Detroit airport. He reportedly kept changing his statement after the airport officials discovered a red plant material in his bag.