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Nih Researchers Smuggle Monkeypox Us Doj

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Feds: 2 researchers smuggled monkeypox through Detroit airport

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Senior NIH scientist, research fellow charged with bringing deactivated mpox virus into U.S.

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Two researchers charged with allegedly trying to smuggle mpox through Detroit Metro Airport

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Nih Mpox Munster Indictment Montana 00947793

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Two Researchers Charged After Allegedly Trying To Smuggle Mpox Through Airport 11989749

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NIH Researchers Charged in Smuggling of Monkeypox Into US

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2 scientists charged with bringing deactivated mpox virus into the US and lying to authorities

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"If the U.S. withdraws from the WHO, it would severely weaken global health initiatives, disrupt pandemic preparedness efforts, and diminish U.S. influence over international health policy."

"If the United States is no longer a member of WHO, Americans around the world would be more susceptible to disease, but they could also carry it back to the United States and infect multitudes."

"It means we are going to see a lot more disease outbreaks become regional and global, and we will see more disease outbreaks from other countries coming into the U.S."

"The bottom line is that withdrawing from the WHO makes Americans and the world less safe."

"Public health disasters that don't have to happen will happen, because those capacities aren't there anymore [because of the US withdrawal from the WHO]."

"President Trump's decision to withdraw from the WHO could have life-threatening consequences for people in the humanitarian contexts where we work as well as in the US."

Will the US Withdrawal from the WHO Affect Public Health?

Two NIH researchers, Vincent Munster, 53, a Dutch national, and Claude Kwe, 38, a Cameroonian national, were charged with conspiracy to smuggle monkeypox into the United States and making false statements to federal law enforcement, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Tuesday.

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Two NIH researchers, Vincent Munster, 53, a Dutch national, and Claude Kwe, 38, a Cameroonian national, were charged with conspiracy to smuggle monkeypox into the United States and making false statements to federal law enforcement, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Tuesday.

Both men worked at the NIH's Rocky Mountain Laboratory in Hamilton, Mont., a Biosafety Level 4 facility. Munster led the Virus Ecology Section, while Kwe served as a research fellow focused on emerging viral pathogens.

Both men worked at the NIH's Rocky Mountain Laboratory in Hamilton, Mont., a Biosafety Level 4 facility. Munster led the Virus Ecology Section, while Kwe served as a research fellow focused on emerging viral pathogens.

On Jan. 25, 2026, Munster and Kwe arrived at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on a flight originating from Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, where an active mpox outbreak was occurring at the time.

On Jan. 25, 2026, Munster and Kwe arrived at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on a flight originating from Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, where an active mpox outbreak was occurring at the time.

CBP officers observed the pair carrying a large black plastic case, which Munster and Kwe claimed held diagnostics and testing equipment. A subsequent FBI and CBP investigation revealed the case contained 113 vials stored in Styrofoam coolers.

CBP officers observed the pair carrying a large black plastic case, which Munster and Kwe claimed held diagnostics and testing equipment. A subsequent FBI and CBP investigation revealed the case contained 113 vials stored in Styrofoam coolers.

Of the 20 vials tested by the FBI, 17 contained deactivated monkeypox virus, one contained the chickenpox virus and two contained only human DNA. The USDA determined the researchers lacked the required federal permit to transport the materials into the U.S.

Of the 20 vials tested by the FBI, 17 contained deactivated monkeypox virus, one contained the chickenpox virus and two contained only human DNA. The USDA determined the researchers lacked the required federal permit to transport the materials into the U.S.

Munster and Kwe were scheduled to appear voluntarily in federal court in Missoula, Mont., on June 3, before facing prosecution in Detroit. Each faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison if convicted.

Munster and Kwe were scheduled to appear voluntarily in federal court in Missoula, Mont., on June 3, before facing prosecution in Detroit. Each faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison if convicted.

NIH Researchers Charged With Monkeypox Smuggling Plot

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