The FBI May Have Saved Michigan From An Agroterrorist

Chinese nationals with ties to the University of Michigan research laboratory allegedly were involved in smuggling a pathogen that could poison farm crops and humans.

What is Agroterrorism?

Bioterrorism that specifically targets the agricultural industry and food supply is agroterrorism. It is a deliberate contamination using harmful pathogens to create diseases that disrupt food production and distribution.

Agroterrorism is something you don't hear about much in the news, but it may explain why so many farm crops and animals have been getting diseases in Michigan and the rest of the United States.

The methods agroterrorists use vary from the deliberate introduction of diseases that wipe out crops to the contamination of food that causes illness or death. Agroterrorists also use cyberattacks that target food processing and distribution to disrupt the supply chain.

Read More: Why Michiganders Hang Detergent Bottles on Fences

Two Chinese Nationals Charged with Allegedly Smuggling Toxic Fungus

According to WOOD, Chinese scientists Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu have been charged with conspiracy, smuggling, making false statements, and visa fraud. The pathogen discovered in Liu's backpack was Fusarium graminearum, which attacks wheat, barley, maize, rice, and can make livestock and people sick.

Liu's girlfriend, Jian, who worked in a lab at the University of Michigan, had messages on her phone discovered by the FBI that tied her to the pathogen and her alleged support for the Communist Party of China.

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Liu, who used to work at the lab at the University of Michigan, was turned away at the Detroit airport and sent back to China before the FBI discovered the contents of his backpack. With US relations with China poor due to the Trump tariff war, it is unlikely he will be extradited from China to appear in court.

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