Arkansas Scientist Yan Pleads Guilty to Lying About Rice Seed Theft

A 61-year-old Arkansas geneticist has admitted to federal crimes after lying to the FBI about a scheme to steal high-value rice seeds and ship them to China. Wengui Yan, of Stuttgart, Arkansas, pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements, marking a key development in a federal probe into agricultural espionage at the Dale Bumpers National Research Center.

Yan, a scientist employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, confessed that he was aware of plans to steal proprietary seed samples before a group of Chinese visitors arrived at the Stuttgart facility in 2013. Despite knowing the seeds were federally protected, Yan admitted that he accompanied the delegation to a rice farm where he understood they could seize samples undetected. The act compromised years of U.S. agricultural research and triggered a federal crackdown.

The theft was uncovered on August 7, 2013, when U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents found stolen seeds in the luggage of the Chinese visitors at an airport as they prepared to return home. Yan initially denied any knowledge of the theft or prior discussions about smuggling the seeds. But investigators soon uncovered evidence that Yan had been approached by co-defendant Weiqiang Zhang, 50, of Manhattan, Kansas, who had requested the seeds before the visit.

Yan admitted that Zhang warned him others were actively seeking to obtain the U.S.-developed rice strains. Even after the theft, Yan lied to federal agents about his involvement and attempted to conceal a trip he made to China, where he visited the very crops research institute that had sent the delegation. His false statements delayed the investigation and obstructed justice, prosecutors say.

Under the terms of his plea agreement, Yan faces up to 20 months in federal prison. Sentencing has been deferred to a later date. Meanwhile, co-defendant Weiqiang Zhang remains in custody and is awaiting trial on related charges. Federal authorities are treating the case as a serious breach of national and economic security.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary B. McCord and Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall of the District of Kansas announced the guilty plea. They praised the investigative efforts of the FBI’s Little Rock and Kansas City Field Offices, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas. Trial attorneys Matt Walczewski, Brian Resler, Evan Williams, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask were also commended for their roles in the prosecution.