Pathogenic Fungus Sneaked into US

Hi Global Recap readers,

If you have Chinese friends, you may have noticed that many of them support the CCP, even if they’ve lived or studied in the West (sometimes even with a kind of cult-like loyalty). It’s not necessarily because they’re spies—it’s more about being shaped by a combination of national pride, family, and government influence.

So, when Chinese researchers sneak a potential agroterrorism fungus into the US, and there are texts showing their loyalty to the CCP, it’s tough to say for sure they’re actual “spies.”

🔴 But before diving into that story: Remember when we wondered if Musk’s trouble slashing government spending had more to do with shady behavior in Congress and the broader government, or if it’s actually because there just isn’t that much “waste, fraud, and abuse” to begin with?

I think we may have our answer. 👇🏻

🌐 WORLD
Fast Scroll News

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🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Agro-terrorism
Fungus Smuggled In

Two Chinese nationals were caught allegedly sneaking a dangerous fungus into the US, one described as a “potential agroterrorism weapon” by authorities.

Who Are They?

They weren’t just random travelers. Zunyong Liu, 34, and Yunqing Jian, 33, were researchers reportedly linked to Chinese government funding, some of it tied to work at the University of Michigan.

• Liu, 34, was allegedly planning to research the fungus at the University of Michigan.

• His girlfriend, 33-year-old Yunqing Jian, worked at the university’s Molecular Plant-Microbe Interaction Laboratory.

• The DOJ says Jian's electronic devices contained information about her “loyalty” to the Chinese Communist Party.

The Airport Bust

Liu’s attempted entry on July 27, 2024, raised suspicions. When first questioned, he claimed he had no work materials. Then came the luggage inspection.

• Agents found a note in Chinese, filter paper with circles, and baggies containing reddish plant material.

• Liu initially claimed he had no idea how the samples got into his bag, before admitting he hid them in tissues to sneak them in.

The Paper Trail

Investigators also uncovered old messages showing the couple’s history of smuggling seeds into the country.

• In a 2022 WeChat (a Chinese messaging app) exchange, Liu bragged about hiding seeds in his shoes.

• Jian encouraged him, replying, “Just put it in your shoes.”

Legal Trouble

Jian has been detained, while Liu (who was denied entry into the US) remains at large.

• Prosecutors call Jian a flight risk, keeping her in custody.

• The FBI’s Counterintelligence Division led the investigation.

• US Attorney Jerome Gorgon emphasized that one of the accused has ties to the Chinese Communist Party, calling the case a serious national security concern.

What’s the Fungus?

It’s called Fusarium graminearum, and it’s not good. The FBI says it causes “head blight,” a disease that hits crops like wheat, barley, maize, and rice, costing billions worldwide.

• The University of Michigan lab was allegedly set to be Liu’s research spot.

• The DOJ press release painted the duo’s actions as a “grave national security concern.”

University of Michigan's Response

The university distanced itself from the accused individuals, emphasizing its commitment to security.

• “The university condemns any actions that threaten national security,” it said in a statement.

• Officials also clarified that the university received no Chinese government funding for the accused researchers’ work.

• The school is cooperating fully with federal investigators.