Two researchers from a US government laboratory face charges for bringing vials of deactivated mpox virus from Africa without proper authorization and lying to authorities. The incident occurred at Detroit Metropolitan Airport after a trip to the Republic of Congo. Investigators found the virus in their possession despite denials. The scientists, virologists who have worked extensively on mpox, areexpected to appear in federal court. The National Institutes of Health stated they are cooperating with law enforcement.
2 scientists charged with bringing deactivated mpox virus into the US and lying to authorities This colourised electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in 2024 shows mpox virus particles found within infected cells .
June 03, 2026 1:56 AMTwo scientists at a US government lab were charged with smuggling vials of deactivated mpox virus into the country from Africa and lying about it during interviews with investigators at a Michigan airport, authorities said Tuesday . A criminal complaint was unsealed in federal court in Detroit against Vincent Munster, who is chief of the virus ecology section at Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, Montana, and Claude Kwe, who works with him.
Munster and Kwe were stopped at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in January after a flight from Paris and nine days in the Republic of Congo. An outbreak of the mpox disease has been linked to more than 2,000 deaths in Congo, a vast region in central Africa, though a two-year outbreak was declared over in April. Munster "adamantly denied" returning to the US with biological materials or samples, the FBI said in a court filing.
But tests subsequently revealed that Munster and Kwe were travelling with vials of deactivated mpox, the FBI said, yet they had failed to declare them or obtain the necessary permission.
"Any deliberate effort to conceal and smuggle biological materials into the United States without proper authorisation is a breach of the public's trust and could have placed the public at risk," said Marcus Sykes of the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Health and Human Services. Munster and Kwe did not immediately respond to requests for comment. They are expected to appear in federal court in Missoula, Montana, on Wednesday.
"This matter is currently under investigation, and NIH is cooperating fully with law enforcement and appropriate authorities," said the National Institutes of Health , which oversees the lab. "Because this is an ongoing investigation and personnel matter, we are limited in what additional information we can provide at this time. " There was no mention in the government's court filing about why Munster and Kwe may have wanted to bring the deactivated mpox virus to their lab.
But they are virologists who have worked extensively on mpox research, the FBI said. Munster told investigators at the Detroit-area airport that any necessary documents were in his laptop, "but you don't need them. I do this all the time," the FBI quoted him as saying.
"It is reasonable to believe that Munster's statements regarding the possession of the required documentation to were materially false," the FBI said. The most common symptoms of mpox, according to the World Health Organisation, are a rash and fever, but it can sometimes cause serious illness. Most people recover fully. Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, was first identified by scientists in 1958 during outbreaks of a "pox-like" disease in monkeys.
Until a few years ago, most human cases were seen in people in central and West Africa who had close contact with infected animals. In 2022, the virus was confirmed to spread via sex for the first time and triggered outbreaks in more than 70 countries that had not previously reported mpox.
Please follow us on Google to support us Mpox Virus Smuggling US Scientists Customs Violation Biosecurity
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam Begins Historic African Tour with Focus on Tanzania and South AfricaSingapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam is undertaking a two-week diplomatic and economic mission to Africa, featuring a working visit to South Africa and a landmark state visit to Tanzania. The trip aims to strengthen bilateral ties, celebrate 45 years of Singapore-Tanzania relations, and explore new market opportunities for Singapore businesses on the continent.
Read more »
President Tharman to make working visit to South Africa, state visit to TanzaniaPresident Tharman Shanmugaratnam will make a working visit to South Africa from June 2 to 8, followed by a state visit to Tanzania from June 8 to 10. He will be the first Singaporean head of state to visit the East African country.
Read more »
UK Blocks Two US-Based Political Commentators from Entering Country Ahead of SXSW London FestivalBritain's interior ministry has cancelled the Electronic Travel Authorisation of left-wing Israel critics Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker, preventing them from attending the SXSW London festival. The decision, based on grounds that their presence may not be conducive to the public good, follows a series of attacks on the Jewish community and raises questions about free speech and foreign influence. Both commentators have faced controversy over past statements, including Piker's comment about 9/11. This move mirrors a recent ban on US rapper Kanye West over antisemitic remarks.
Read more »
Two Taiwan Air Force Pilots Killed in T-34 Trainer Crash During Training MissionA Taiwan Air Force T-34 trainer aircraft crashed at Gangshan Air Base during a simulated engine failure exercise, killing both senior pilots aboard. President Lai Ching-te has ordered a full investigation into the cause of the accident.
Read more »