US Edition2 Chinese researchers charged with smuggling biological pathogen to study at University of Michigan lab
UNITED STATES, JUN 5 – Two Chinese nationals charged with smuggling a crop-destroying fungus into the US face allegations of visa fraud and agroterrorism linked to research oversight weaknesses, officials said.
- In June 2025, University of Michigan researchers Yunqing Jian and Chengxuan Han were charged with smuggling biological materials into the U.S., with Jian linked to Fusarium graminearum fungus and Han to C. elegans roundworms and plasmids.
- The charges followed a federal investigation amid heightened U.S.-China tensions and political pressure, with congressional committees demanding security reviews at U-M and federal agencies.
- U-M severed ties with Shanghai Jiao Tong University in January 2024 and affirmed cooperation with federal authorities in July 2025, while critics argue the university has capitulated to an unscientific agroterrorism narrative.
- The fungus Fusarium graminearum, described as a 'potential agroterrorism weapon,' causes billions in crop damage but is widespread in at least 32 U.S. states, and Han’s case involves non-hazardous materials widely used in research.
- These prosecutions highlight oversight gaps and raise concerns over academic freedom, with ongoing congressional investigations and plea negotiations for both Jian and Han underway.
331 Articles
331 Articles
US lawmakers probe University of Michigan over Chinese nationals accused in agroterrorism fungus smuggling case - The Tribune
A range of congressional committees has initiated an extensive investigation into professors and research facilities at the University of Michigan associated with two Chinese nationals accused of bringing a 'potential agroterrorism' fungus into the US.
Chinese researchers charged with smuggling ‘agroterrorism weapon' to infect Midwest crops - IPM Newsroom
Illinois Newsroom - The FBI and Department of Justice hailed the arrests and charges as crucial in protecting national security and public safety. The post Chinese researchers charged with smuggling ‘agroterrorism weapon’ to infect Midwest crops appeared first on IPM Newsroom.
Gen. Keane warns China conducting 'most comprehensive penetration' of US society in our 250-year history
Chinese threat escalates with arrests of nationals smuggling biological pathogens into the U.S., part of what Keane calls the most comprehensive penetration in history.
Chinese citizen arrested after allegedly smuggling biological materials related to roundworms
A Chinese citizen has been arrested and charged after federal investigators say she smuggled biological materials into the U.S. for her work at a University of Michigan laboratory, and lied about it to investigators. Watch video reports from Darren Cunningham and Ryan Marshall: Chinese citizen arrest after smuggling biological materials related to U-M lab Chinese citizen arrested at DTW after allegedly smuggling biological materials related to r…
Iowa congressman to introduce legislation targeting agroterrorism
The bill establishes a new criminal offense for knowingly or recklessly importing, transporting or possessing high-risk agricultural biological agents not authorized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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