Yunqing Jian, linked to the Chinese Communist Party, was sentenced to time served and removed from the country as officials warn foreign adversaries not to exploit U.S. research institutions.
The United States has deported Chinese researcher Yunqing Jian, who admitted to attempting to smuggle a dangerous agricultural toxin into the country while concealing her activities from federal authorities, according to the Justice Department.
Jian pled guilty to charges related to the illicit transport of deoxynivalenol, commonly known as “vomitoxin” — a potent fungal toxin capable of destroying crops and causing illness in both animals and humans. Prosecutors said she attempted to bring the substance into the U.S. under false pretenses and later misled FBI investigators about her actions.
Jian, who prosecutors said had ties to the Chinese Communist Party, was sentenced to time served and subsequently deported.
Federal officials emphasized that the U.S. will take aggressive action to defend research institutions from foreign interference.
A senior Justice Department official stated that “the United States will not allow foreign adversaries to exploit American university laboratories for their own strategic interests.”
Jian’s case highlights growing concern among U.S. intelligence and counter-espionage agencies regarding attempts by foreign entities to access sensitive research, biological materials, and agricultural technologies.
No additional charges have been filed, and officials say Jian is barred from re-entering the United States.
