Federal prosecutors have charged two National Institutes of Health (NIH) researchers in connection with what authorities describe as the improper transport of viral materials into the United States following travel from Africa.
The case involves allegations of conspiracy to smuggle monkeypox and making false statements to federal agents.
The defendants, Vincent Munster, 53, and Claude Kwe, 38, are both affiliated with the NIH’s Rocky Mountain Laboratory in Montana, a high-containment facility where scientists study dangerous pathogens under strict biosafety protocols.
The lab operates at Biosafety Level 4, the highest classification used for research involving infectious agents that require maximum containment due to potential health risks.
According to federal documents, both researchers were involved in studying emerging viral diseases and how pathogens move between species.
Such work typically involves strict documentation and regulatory oversight, particularly when biological materials are transported internationally for research purposes.
The incident occurred after the pair traveled from Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo, where a monkeypox outbreak had been reported at the time.
Public health officials closely monitor such outbreaks due to the virus’s ability to spread through close contact and contaminated materials.
Upon arrival at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Jan. 25, the researchers were selected for inspection by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.
CBP routinely screens travelers arriving from regions experiencing infectious disease outbreaks and has authority to inspect and verify biological or laboratory-related materials entering the country.
During inspection, officers observed the pair carrying a large sealed black case.
The researchers allegedly told officials it contained diagnostic and testing equipment used for laboratory work.
Investigators later determined the container allegedly held biological samples that had not been properly declared for entry into the United States, according to FOX 2 Detroit.
Federal authorities say the case contained 113 vials stored in insulated packaging designed for biological preservation.
Of 20 samples tested so far, 17 contained deactivated monkeypox material, one contained chickenpox virus, and two contained only human DNA, according to federal testing results, according to USA Today.
Federal health import guidance requires that a wide range of biological materials—including inactivated or non-infectious samples—be properly declared when entering the United States.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines import permit requirements for infectious substances and related biological materials to ensure proper tracking and biosafety compliance.
Even when materials are not capable of causing infection, authorities regulate their transport due to the need for chain-of-custody documentation, risk assessment, and compliance with federal biosafety standards.
Customs officials rely on declaration requirements to verify that biological shipments match what is disclosed by travelers entering the country.
U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. criticized the alleged conduct, stating that individuals working in sensitive research environments are still required to follow federal law when transporting materials.
He said accurate disclosure at ports of entry is essential for maintaining biosecurity controls.
FBI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan said the allegations involve both improper transport of biological materials and alleged attempts to mislead investigators, stressing that professional credentials do not exempt individuals from enforcement actions.
Officials with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General said the case represents a breach of public trust involving individuals entrusted with safeguarding public health research, noting that multiple agencies were involved in the investigation, including the FBI, CBP, and HHS oversight teams.
CBP Director of Field Operations Marty Raybon said the agency enforces strict controls on cross-border movement of regulated materials and maintains zero tolerance for attempts to bypass inspection procedures or misrepresent cargo.
Munster and Kwe each face up to five years in federal prison if convicted.
