NIH Researchers Charged After Allegedly Smuggling Monkeypox Vials Into United States

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Two researchers affiliated with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have been charged after federal authorities accused them of smuggling monkeypox-related biological materials into the United States from the Republic of Congo and then allegedly misleading federal investigators about the contents.

Federal prosecutors announced charges Monday against Vincent Munster, 53, a citizen of the Netherlands, and Claude Kwe, 38, a citizen of Cameroon. Both men work at the NIH’s Rocky Mountain Laboratory in Hamilton, Montana, where they study “emerging viral pathogens” and how diseases cross from animals to humans.

The pair face charges of conspiracy to smuggle monkeypox into the United States and making false statements to federal law enforcement officials.

According to the criminal complaint, the two men arrived Jan. 25, 2026, at Detroit Metropolitan Airport after traveling from Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, where an outbreak of monkeypox had been reported.

Authorities said Customs and Border Protection officers inspected the researchers after noticing they were carrying a large black plastic case.

Munster and Kwe allegedly told officers the case contained diagnostic and testing equipment. Investigators later determined the container actually held 113 vials stored inside Styrofoam coolers.

Federal authorities said the FBI tested 20 of the vials. According to investigators, 17 contained deactivated monkeypox virus, one contained chickenpox virus and two contained human DNA.

The Rocky Mountain Laboratory where the researchers work operates as a Biosafety Level 4 facility, the highest level of laboratory containment used for research involving dangerous pathogens.

“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,” U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. said in a statement.

Federal officials emphasized that the case involved alleged violations of border security procedures and federal law, regardless of the researchers’ professional status.

“No researchers should believe their positions, credentials, or professional status place them above the law,” said Jennifer Runyan, special agent in charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office.

“The allegations in this case are serious,” Runyan added. “They involve the dangerous and unlawful smuggling of deactivated Mpox virus into the United States and alleged efforts to mislead our federal agents.”

Marcus L. Sykes, special agent in charge of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, said the allegations represented a breach of public trust.

“The arrest of these individuals on serious federal charges sends a clear and unmistakable message that no one — including HHS employees who have an obligation to safeguard our federal programs — is above the law,” Sykes said.

“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,” he added.

Customs and Border Protection officials also defended the agency’s response and warned that federal authorities remain alert to biological threats entering the country.

“We have zero tolerance for anyone who attempts to exploit our research frameworks, circumvent our border enforcement processes, or deceive investigators,” said CBP Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon.

“Along with our law enforcement partners, we will remain fiercely vigilant in neutralizing biological threats — or otherwise — and continue to hold accountable those who jeopardize the safety and security of the American people,” Raybon added.

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI Detroit Field Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.

Munster and Kwe each face a maximum sentence of five years in prison if convicted.