Two Researchers Accused of Smuggling Inactive Mpox Virus to US

WHO:

statnews.com - Claude Kwe is identified as a research fellow working with Vincent Munster at Rocky Mountain Laboratories.

AP News - Vincent Munster, chief of the virus ecology section at Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, Montana, and Claude Kwe, a colleague, are the two scientists charged.

AP News - Marcus Sykes is from the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Health and Human Services.

AP News - The National Institutes of Health oversees the lab where Munster and Kwe work.

WHAT:

AP News - The criminal complaint against Munster and Kwe was unsealed in federal court in Detroit on a Tuesday.

ABC News Tech - Munster and Kwe were charged with smuggling vials of deactivated mpox virus into the U.S. without permits and lying to investigators.

AP News - The criminal complaint was unsealed in federal court in Detroit.

AP News - An outbreak of mpox disease has been linked to more than 2,000 deaths in the Republic of Congo.

AP News - Munster “adamantly denied” returning to the U.S. with biological materials or samples.

AP News - Tests revealed that they were traveling with vials of deactivated mpox, which they failed to declare or obtain permission for.

WHERE:

AP News - The scientists were stopped at Detroit Metropolitan Airport after a flight from Paris and nine days in the Republic of Congo.

AP News - The federal court where the criminal complaint was unsealed is located in Detroit, Michigan.

AP News - They are expected to appear in federal court in Missoula, Montana.

WHEN:

AP News - Munster and Kwe are expected to appear in federal court in Missoula, Montana, on a Wednesday.

AP News - Munster and Kwe are expected to appear in federal court in Missoula, Montana, on Wednesday.

AP News - Munster and Kwe are expected to appear in federal court in Missoula, Montana, on a Wednesday.

AP News - Munster and Kwe are expected to appear in federal court in Missoula, Montana, on Wednesday.

AP News - The scientists were stopped at the airport in January after their trip.

AP News - The two-year outbreak of mpox in Congo was declared over in April.

WHY:

AP News - The government’s court filing did not specify why Munster and Kwe may have wanted to bring the deactivated mpox virus to their lab.

AP News - Munster and Kwe are virologists who have worked extensively on mpox research.

HOW:

AP News - The FBI indicated that it is reasonable to believe Munster’s statements regarding the possession of required documentation were materially false.

AP News - Marcus Sykes stated, “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.”

AP News - The National Institutes of Health stated, “This matter is currently under investigation, and NIH is cooperating fully with law enforcement and appropriate authorities.”

AP News - Munster claimed that any necessary documents were in his laptop and stated, “but you don’t need them. I do this all the time.”

AP News - The FBI indicated that it is reasonable to believe Munster’s statements regarding the possession of required documentation were materially false.

(UPDATED June 3, 2026 20:08 UTC)

Munster and Kwe are set to appear in federal court in Missoula, Montana, on a Wednesday. This court appearance is generating significant attention as the case unfolds. Details surrounding the proceedings are anticipated to emerge following the hearing.

(UPDATED June 3, 2026 18:28 UTC)

Munster and Kwe are set to appear in federal court in Missoula, Montana, on Wednesday at 04:25 UTC. This appearance is part of ongoing legal proceedings that have garnered significant attention. As the case unfolds, many are watching closely to see how it will develop in the coming days.

(UPDATED June 3, 2026 12:36 UTC)

A criminal complaint against scientists Vincent Munster and Claude Kwe was unsealed in federal court in Detroit after they were stopped at Detroit Metropolitan Airport following a flight from Paris and nine days in the Republic of Congo. The FBI has indicated that it believes Munster's statements about possessing the necessary documentation were materially false. Both Munster and Kwe are expected to appear in federal court in Missoula, Montana, on a Wednesday.

(UPDATED June 3, 2026 08:41 UTC)

Munster and Kwe are set to appear in federal court in Missoula, Montana, on Wednesday. Marcus Sykes emphasized that any intentional attempt to hide and smuggle biological materials into the United States without proper authorization undermines public trust and could endanger the public. Meanwhile, the National Institutes of Health has confirmed that they are fully cooperating with law enforcement as this matter is currently under investigation.

(UPDATED June 3, 2026 04:25 UTC)

Vincent Munster and Claude Kwe, scientists at the National Institutes of Health, have been charged with smuggling vials of deactivated mpox virus into the U.S. without the necessary permits and lying to investigators after being stopped at Detroit Metropolitan Airport following a trip from Paris and the Republic of Congo. The criminal complaint, unsealed in federal court in Detroit, revealed that tests confirmed they were traveling with the vials, which they failed to declare, despite Munster adamantly denying any wrongdoing. They are expected to appear in federal court in Missoula, Montana, where the FBI has indicated that it believes Munster's claims about having the required documentation were materially false.