Two Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, face federal charges for allegedly smuggling a dangerous crop-destroying fungus, Fusarium graminearum, into the U.S., raising concerns of agroterrorism.
The fungus threatens key crops like corn and rice.
One man reportedly hid samples in his backpack upon entry. Prosecutors say Jian, backed by the Chinese government, planned to study the pathogen at a U.S. lab.
FBI officials warn the act may signal a broader effort by the Chinese Communist Party to target America’s food supply. The fungus causes head blight, linked to economic losses and potential health risks in humans and livestock.
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