New Delhi, June 4 -- Two Chinese nationals have been charged by the U.S. Department of Justice for allegedly smuggling a hazardous biological pathogen into the country to conduct research at a University of Michigan laboratory.

As per the DOJ statement, Yunqing Jian (33) and Zunyong Liu (34) linked to the Chinese Communist Party, face charges including conspiracy and visa fraud. They face charges including conspiracy, smuggling, and making false statements.

FBI Director Kash Patel said in a post on X that the pathogen, Fusarium graminearum, poses significant risks to agriculture and health.

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The FBI arrested Jian in connection with allegations related to Jian and Liu's s...