Senior NIH Scientists Charged with Smuggling Deactivated Mpox Virus into U.S., Sparking Congressional Investigation
Key Insights
Two NIH scientists were charged with conspiracy to smuggle deactivated mpox (search) virus into the U.S. and making false statements to federal investigators after a January 2025 airport stop in Detroit.
The researchers, Dr. Vincent Munster and Claude Kwe, were returning from a nine-day research trip to the Republic of Congo when 113 sealed vials were discovered in their luggage.
The case has prompted a congressional review by the House Energy and Commerce Committee and renewed scrutiny of biosafety protocols at Rocky Mountain Laboratories (search).
Two senior scientists at the National Institutes of Health have been charged with smuggling deactivated mpox (search) virus into the United States and lying to federal investigators, a case that has triggered a congressional investigation and renewed scrutiny of biosafety practices at one of the nation's premier high-containment research facilities.
Dr. Vincent Munster, 53, chief of the virus ecology section at Rocky Mountain Laboratories (search) (RML) in Hamilton, Montana, and Claude Kwe, 38, a research fellow from Cameroon, were charged on June 2 with conspiracy to smuggle mpox (search) into the U.S. and giving false statements to federal law enforcement, according to a criminal complaint unsealed in federal court in Detroit.
Airport Discovery and Alleged Misrepresentations
The two scientists were stopped at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on January 25 after arriving on a flight from Paris, following a nine-day research trip to the Republic of Congo, where they had been studying the mpox (search) strain linked to the country's current outbreak. According to the FBI, Customs and Border Protection officials questioned the researchers about a "large black plastic case" they were carrying. The scientists allegedly told officials the container held "diagnostic and testing equipment."
A subsequent inspection uncovered 113 sealed laboratory vials packed inside styrofoam coolers. When asked for required documentation, Munster allegedly replied: "Yes yes, it's all in my laptop, but you won't need them. I do this all the time."
Laboratory analysis of 20 of the vials found that 17 contained inactivated monkeypox virus, one contained chickenpox virus (search), and two contained human DNA. The contents of the remaining vials have not been publicly identified.
The FBI stated that Munster "adamantly denied" returning to the U.S. with biological materials or samples during initial questioning. "It is reasonable to believe that Munster's statements regarding the possession of the required documentation to [customs officers] were materially false," the FBI said in its court filing.
Legal Proceedings and Congressional Response
Both men pleaded not guilty at a hearing in Missoula, Montana, on June 3 and were released on bail after surrendering their passports. Each faces a maximum sentence of five years' imprisonment if convicted. Kwe's lawyer, Benton Martin, said: "Mr Kwe is pleased presumed innocent and we will await further proceedings before commenting further."
The case has drawn sharp responses from federal officials. Jerome Gorgon Jr., a U.S. attorney, said: "These NIH experts apparently broke our laws by smuggling viral pathogens on a packed commercial airplane from an outbreak in the Republic of Congo. Let that sink in."
Marcus Sykes, a special agent of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General, added: "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."
The House Committee on Energy and Commerce is now "examining concerns" about the NIH. In a letter dated June 16 to NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, the committee requested details about Munster and Kwe's work, the origin and transport of the biological samples, whether the NIH authorized or was aware of the trip, and the agency's response after learning of the allegations. The committee is also seeking a timeline of the NIH's responses, including any prior compliance concerns involving the researchers.
Biosafety Concerns at Rocky Mountain Laboratories (search)
Rocky Mountain Laboratories (search) is an NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) facility that houses biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) laboratories, the highest level of biocontainment, where researchers study dangerous pathogens like Ebola and Nipah virus.
The criminal charges have renewed scrutiny of RML's biosafety protocols. In a May 26 letter to the HHS inspector general, Republican Senator Tim Sheehy called for an independent investigation into the laboratory's biosecurity and personnel practices, citing a whistleblower complaint submitted to White Coat Waste, an organization that has long criticized Munster's taxpayer-funded animal research.
Sheehy pointed to two reported employee exposures to the potentially fatal Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (search) at the facility, one involving a monkey bite and another a failure of protective clothing. Both exposures have since been confirmed by the NIH. Sheehy also cited claims that Munster retained access to the high-containment lab after being detained by authorities.
An NIH spokesperson said the agency was notified of the airport incident in January and "immediately implemented established protocols to secure laboratory facilities, research materials and biological samples." The spokesperson added: "NIH also took appropriate personnel actions and took all relevant steps to confirm that there was no risk at any time to staff or the public in or around the [Rocky Mountain Laboratories (search)] facility. This matter is currently under investigation, and NIH is cooperating fully with law enforcement."
Background on the Researchers and Mpox (search)
Munster is described as a "well-published scientist with approximately 400 publications and 69,000 citations." Together, Munster and Kwe have co-authored 12 reports related to mpox (search) since 2023. The government's court filing did not address why the scientists may have wanted to bring the deactivated mpox virus to their lab, though the FBI noted they are virologists who have worked extensively on mpox research.
Mpox (search) is a viral disease that can cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a painful rash. According to the World Health Organization, the most common symptoms are a rash and fever, though it can sometimes cause serious illness; most people recover fully. In 2024, Africa reported 80,276 suspected cases of mpox and 1,340 deaths. The importation of biological agents, including deactivated samples rendered non-infectious, is subject to strict regulatory requirements in the United States.