Lauge Risom Koch 
Two scientists at a U.S. government research laboratory have been charged after allegedly bringing undeclared deactivated mpox samples into the United States from Africa and making false statements to investigators during an airport inspection.
Two researchers at a U.S. government laboratory have been charged after allegedly bringing undeclared mpox samples into the United States from Africa and providing false information to investigators.
According to reporting by The Daily Express, the case involves scientists working at Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Montana, a facility that conducts infectious disease research.
Charges unveiled
According to The Daily Express, citing court documents, federal prosecutors charged Vincent Munster, head of the Virus Ecology Section at Rocky Mountain Laboratories, and fellow researcher Claude Kwe.
The criminal complaint was unsealed in federal court in Detroit on Tuesday.
Authorities allege the pair returned to the United States through Detroit Metropolitan Airport in January after spending nine days in the Republic of Congo.
Investigators say the scientists failed to declare biological materials they were carrying.
Airport investigation
According to FBI allegations cited by The Daily Express, testing later revealed that the researchers were transporting vials containing deactivated mpox virus.
Officials said the samples had not been properly declared and that the required authorization had not been obtained before entering the country.
The complaint also alleges that Munster denied carrying biological materials when questioned by customs officers.
According to court filings, he told investigators that any required documents were stored on his laptop, adding: “but you don’t need them. I do this all the time.”
Public trust concerns
Federal authorities stressed that the case concerns compliance with biosecurity and customs regulations rather than an active public health threat.
“Any deliberate effort to conceal and smuggle biological materials into the United States without proper authorization is a breach of the public’s trust and could have placed the public at risk,” Marcus Sykes of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General said.
According to The Daily Express, prosecutors have not publicly explained why the samples were allegedly being transported.
Both scientists are known for their work studying mpox and other infectious diseases.
Court appearance ahead
Munster and Kwe are expected to appear in federal court in Missoula, Montana.
Neither scientist immediately responded to requests for comment, according to reports.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that can cause fever, rash and, in some cases, more serious illness, although most people recover fully.
Sources: The Daily Express, FBI, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
