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(Detroit, MI) — Two Chinese citizens are facing federal charges for allegedly smuggling a fungus into the U.S. that can cause a disease in barley, maize, rice, and wheat.
One of the two works at a University of Michigan laboratory and they’re both charged with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, false statements, and visa fraud. The fungus causes a disease called “head blight” that is responsible for billions of dollars a year in economic losses around the world. It is classified as a potential agroterrorism weapon in scientific literature.
An examination of Liu’s and Jian’s electronic devices uncovered WeChat messages from 2022 in which they discussed smuggling seeds into the United States.
“I put them in my Martin boots,” Liu wrote, according to the complaint. “In a small bag. The ziplock bag. Very small.” Prosecutors say that Jian replied, “That’s good,” per the complaint. “Just put it in your shoes.”
At a federal court hearing Tuesday (June 3, 2025) afternoon, a judge ordered Jian to remain behind bars after prosecutors described her as a flight risk. Liu, who was not allowed into the country after the pathogen was allegedly discovered in his backpack, remains at large.
U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon said in a statement: “The alleged actions of these Chinese nationals — including a loyal member of the Chinese Communist Party — are of the gravest national security concerns.” The FBI Counterintelligence Division conducted the investigation.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was not aware of the case.
