Crime
Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu Charged with Smuggling Potential Agroterrorism Pathogen into U.S
DETROIT – Federal authorities have charged two citizens of the People’s Republic of China, Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, in connection with an alleged scheme to smuggle a dangerous biological agent into the United States.
The charges include conspiracy, smuggling goods into the U.S., making false statements, and visa fraud, as announced by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.
Joining Gorgon in the announcement were FBI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson and Marty C. Raybon, Director of Field Operations for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
According to a criminal complaint unsealed Tuesday, the two defendants are accused of conspiring to smuggle Fusarium graminearum, a highly destructive fungal pathogen, into the country.
The fungus, classified in scientific literature as a potential agroterrorism weapon, causes “head blight” in major crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and rice. The disease is responsible for billions of dollars in agricultural losses globally and produces toxins that are hazardous to humans and livestock—causing symptoms such as vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive issues.
Investigators allege that Jian, who was employed in a University of Michigan laboratory, received funding from the Chinese government for her research on this specific pathogen.
Forensic analysis of Jian’s electronic devices allegedly revealed materials linking her to the Chinese Communist Party, including documentation of her active membership and allegiance.
Her partner, Zunyong Liu, reportedly a researcher at a Chinese university working on similar pathogens, is accused of smuggling samples of Fusarium graminearum through Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
Initially denying the act, Liu later admitted to bringing the material into the U.S. to conduct unauthorized research in Jian’s university lab, according to the complaint.
“This case presents serious national security concerns,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon. “These individuals, including a declared loyalist to the Chinese Communist Party, are charged with smuggling a pathogen widely regarded as a potential biological weapon into the heartland of America. They allegedly aimed to use a U.S. research facility to further their scheme, putting both public health and our agricultural economy at risk.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson emphasized the danger posed by the accused. “This was not just academic misconduct—it was a deliberate act that could have had catastrophic consequences for food security and public safety. Thanks to the FBI Detroit Counterintelligence Task Force and our partners at CBP, this threat was neutralized before further damage could be done.”
CBP Field Operations Director Marty C. Raybon echoed those concerns. “This case highlights CBP’s vital role in securing our borders from biological threats. We take seriously any attempt to bring undeclared and hazardous agents into the country, especially when it involves deceptive conduct by foreign researchers.”
Jian is scheduled to make her initial appearance in federal court in Detroit this afternoon. Liu’s status has not yet been disclosed publicly.
Authorities stress that the charges stem from a criminal complaint, which is not evidence of guilt.
Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Further prosecutorial decisions, including whether to pursue felony indictments, will be made as the investigation continues.
The case is being jointly investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.