Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
DETROIT – Two Chinese scientists, facing accusations of trafficking biological material into the United States for research at the University of Michigan, have opted to remain in custody. They relinquished their entitlement to a hearing Friday in federal court.
Scientists Remain in Custody
Yunqing Jian and Chengxuan Han, in separate appearances before a Detroit court, communicated their decision not to contest the government’s demand for their continued detention as their cases progress.
Legal Perspectives
“This is a continuously developing situation involving a myriad of factors,” stated Han’s lawyer, Sara Garber, to the presiding judge. She provided no further details and later refused to comment.
4K Ultra HD Portable Foldable Projector Screen 100/120 Inch 16:9 with Stand & Carry Bag, Lightweight 1.5 Gain Polyester Material for Indoor Outdoor Home Theater ...
? Coupon price [$42.96]
[Stylish PU Jacket] Stylish Modern Mens Outdoor PU Jacket - Warm Fleece-Lined Motorcycle Coat, Tough Guy
? Coupon price [$34.29]
UNZHUO MAKE Mens High-Top Camouflage Work Boots - Non-Slip, Durable for Hiking, Outdoor & Mountaineering, Nylon Upper, Rubber Sole, EVA Insole
? Coupon price [$48.40]
Details of the Arrests and Accusations
Chengxuan Han’s Case
Han was taken into custody Sunday at Detroit Metropolitan Airport upon her arrival from China. She is currently pursuing an advanced degree at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan. Her intentions were to dedicate a year to a project at a University of Michigan laboratory. The charges allege she dispatched biological material to lab personnel some months prior.
Law enforcement intercepted the shipment. According to an FBI filing, the material consisted of worm-related matter and lacked the necessary government authorization. Experts suggest the material appeared harmless.
Yunqing Jian’s Case
Jian’s situation involves a conspiracy charge with her boyfriend, another scientist from China, for allegedly importing a hazardous fungus into the U.S. Fusarium graminearum is a toxin that can undermine the health of wheat, barley, maize, and rice.
Zunyong Liu, Jian’s boyfriend, was denied entry and deported back to China last July after authorities discovered reddish plant material in his backpack.
Jian, an employee at the university laboratory, was apprehended on June 2. Communications between Jian and Liu in 2024 indicate that Jian was already cultivating Fusarium graminearum at the lab before Liu’s interception at the airport, according to the FBI.
Jian’s legal representatives declined to provide comments on Friday.
Impact and Context of Fusarium Graminearum
At this juncture, federal authorities have not asserted any plot by the scientists to disseminate the fungus. Fusarium graminearum is already widespread in the U.S., especially in the eastern and Upper Midwest regions, where scientists have thoroughly studied it for decades. Recognized as “vomitoxin” due to its tendency to induce vomiting in livestock, it can also induce diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, headaches, and fever in both animals and humans.
Researchers frequently import plants, animals, and fungal strains from abroad for study in the U.S., contingent upon securing specific permits before moving these materials across state or national boundaries.
University’s Response
The University of Michigan has not been implicated in any misconduct. A statement from the university asserts that it has not accepted funds from the Chinese government related to the work conducted by the three scientists and, “strongly condemns any actions that seek to cause harm, threaten national security or undermine the university’s critical public mission.”