Coronavirus was 'not manmade or genetically modified', says US spy agency


WASHINGTON (Reuters): The top US spy agency said for the first time on Thursday (April 30) the American intelligence community believes the Covid-19 virus that originated in China was not manmade or genetically modified.

The Office of Director of National Intelligence statement contradicted conspiracy theories floated by anti-China activists and some supporters of President Donald Trump suggesting the new coronavirus was developed by Chinese scientists in a government biological weapons laboratory from which it then escaped.

Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Botswana confirms FMD outbreak in northeastern region
Russian drone strike kills 15 miners in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk, officials say
Death toll of Swiss New Year bar blaze rises to 41
Venezuela rights activist freed from notorious jail amid prisoner release
Iranian official says Revolutionary Guards have no plan to hold military exercises in the Gulf
Pope Leo urges US and Cuba to engage in sincere dialogue
Costa Ricans vote as right-wing populists aim to extend mandate
Slovakia national security adviser resigns over Epstein files, denies wrongdoing
Ukraine talks set for next week as cold strains battered energy grid
Nigerian army says it killed a Boko Haram commander and 10 fighters

Others Also Read