Two scientists at a U.S. government lab have been charged with smuggling deactivated mpox virus from Africa and lying to investigators.
- Vincent Munster and Claude Kwe were stopped at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in January after a trip to the Republic of Congo. - The FBI says Munster "adamantly denied" bringing biological materials, but tests later revealed vials of deactivated mpox.
- They failed to declare the materials or obtain necessary permits. - The scientists are expected to appear in federal court in Missoula, Montana, on Wednesday.
The case highlights the serious consequences of smuggling biological materials without authorization.