FBI arrests Chinese nationals after dangerous 'head blight' pathogen 'smuggled into US'

The FBI has arrested two Chinese nationals over an alleged plot to smuggle a "potential agroterrorism weapon" into the U.S. Yunqing Jian, 33, and her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, 34, have been charged with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, false statements, and visa fraud.

This fungus is responsible for “head blight,” a serious disease affecting wheat, barley, maize, and rice that leads to billions of dollars in economic losses globally each year.

The toxins produced by this fungus can cause severe health issues, including vomiting, liver damage, and reproductive problems in both humans and livestock.