Two US Scientists Charged Over Alleged Smuggling of Mpox Virus Vials From Africa

Two scientists from a U.S. government laboratory have been charged with allegedly smuggling vials of deactivated mpox virus into the United States from Africa and providing false information to investigators at a Michigan airport. Federal authorities identified the accused as Vincent Munster and Claude Kwe, both associated with Rocky Mountain Laboratories. According to investigators, the duo was stopped at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in January after returning from the Republic of the Congo. Authorities allege that they failed to declare biological materials and did not obtain the required permissions to transport the samples into the country.

The FBI said subsequent testing revealed the scientists were carrying vials containing deactivated mpox virus. Investigators further alleged that Munster denied possessing biological samples and claimed any required documentation was on his laptop, according to NDTV.

Officials stressed that smuggling biological materials without proper authorization could pose public health and security concerns. The case is under investigation, and both scientists are expected to appear in federal court in Montana. The incident comes amid continued global monitoring of mpox, a viral disease that can cause fever, rash and, in some cases, severe illness.