Two researchers employed at a high-security federal laboratory have been charged after authorities say they attempted to bring biological samples, including material related to the mpox virus, into the United States without proper authorization.
Federal prosecutors announced Tuesday that 53-year-old Vincent Munster of the Netherlands and 38-year-old Claude Kwe of Cameroon face charges of conspiracy to smuggle biological materials into the country and making false statements to federal investigators.
According to court documents, both men worked at a federal research laboratory in Montana that studies emerging infectious diseases and other high-risk pathogens. Their work focused on understanding how viruses spread between animals and humans.
Authorities say the incident occurred on Jan. 25, 2026, when the two researchers arrived at Detroit Metropolitan Airport following travel from the Republic of Congo, a country that was experiencing an active mpox outbreak at the time.
Customs officials reportedly stopped the pair after noticing a large black case among their luggage. Prosecutors allege the researchers told officers the case contained diagnostic and testing equipment.
A subsequent inspection by federal agents allegedly uncovered 113 vials stored inside Styrofoam containers. Laboratory testing later determined that 17 of the vials contained deactivated mpox virus material, one vial contained chickenpox virus material, and two contained human DNA samples, according to authorities.
Federal officials emphasized that the materials were not properly declared and that the alleged attempt to transport them violated U.S. regulations governing biological imports.
“This case involves allegations of concealing biological materials during international travel,” prosecutors said while announcing the charges.
Law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation described the accusations as serious, noting that strict procedures exist for transporting research samples across international borders.
Mpox is a viral disease that can spread through close contact with infected humans or animals. While infections are typically not fatal, the illness can cause symptoms such as fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. Vaccines and preventive measures are available to help reduce transmission.
The virus gained worldwide attention during recent outbreaks and was officially renamed “mpox” by international health authorities in 2022.
The charges against Munster and Kwe remain allegations, and both men are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. If convicted, each could face up to five years in federal prison.
