Federal Scientists Charged In Alleged Mpox Smuggling Case
14 hours ago
Two scientists working at a U.S. government laboratory have been charged with allegedly smuggling vials containing deactivated mpox virus into the United States from Africa and then lying to federal investigators about it.
Federal prosecutors say Vincent Munster, chief of the virus ecology section at Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Montana, and colleague Claude Kwe were stopped by customs officials at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in January after returning from the Republic of Congo.
According to court documents, the scientists allegedly failed to declare biological materials they were carrying and did not obtain the required authorization to transport the samples into the country. Investigators later determined the vials contained deactivated mpox virus.
Authorities say Munster initially denied carrying any biological samples into the United States.
The FBI alleges both men made false statements during questioning and concealed the materials from customs officials.
Federal officials emphasized that the virus samples were deactivated and posed no known public health threat. However, investigators said the alleged failure to follow required procedures and disclose the materials raised significant concerns about biosafety and public trust.
The National Institutes of Health, which oversees the laboratory, said it is cooperating with law enforcement while the investigation continues.
Munster and Kwe are expected to appear in federal court in Montana. Neither scientist had publicly responded to the allegations as of Tuesday.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that can cause fever, rash, and other symptoms. While most people recover, severe cases can occur. Recent outbreaks have largely been concentrated in parts of Africa, including the Republic of Congo.
Federal prosecutors say Vincent Munster, chief of the virus ecology section at Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Montana, and colleague Claude Kwe were stopped by customs officials at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in January after returning from the Republic of Congo.
According to court documents, the scientists allegedly failed to declare biological materials they were carrying and did not obtain the required authorization to transport the samples into the country. Investigators later determined the vials contained deactivated mpox virus.
Authorities say Munster initially denied carrying any biological samples into the United States.
The FBI alleges both men made false statements during questioning and concealed the materials from customs officials.
Federal officials emphasized that the virus samples were deactivated and posed no known public health threat. However, investigators said the alleged failure to follow required procedures and disclose the materials raised significant concerns about biosafety and public trust.
The National Institutes of Health, which oversees the laboratory, said it is cooperating with law enforcement while the investigation continues.
Munster and Kwe are expected to appear in federal court in Montana. Neither scientist had publicly responded to the allegations as of Tuesday.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that can cause fever, rash, and other symptoms. While most people recover, severe cases can occur. Recent outbreaks have largely been concentrated in parts of Africa, including the Republic of Congo.
