Overview

• U.S. authorities have charged researchers Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu with conspiracy, smuggling, false statements and visa fraud after intercepting Fusarium graminearum samples at Detroit airport.
• Officials discovered vials of the wheat-blight fungus hidden in their luggage and recovered phone messages suggesting a coordinated import plan.
• The fungus, which threatens staple crops like wheat, barley and corn, is classified as a potential agroterrorism weapon due to its capacity for economic damage.
• The University of Michigan, where the couple worked, affirmed cooperation with the investigation and denied receiving materials or directives from the Chinese government.
• Jian is held in U.S. custody; Liu remains at large in China where no extradition treaty exists.