China is likely collecting American DNA, U.S. intelligence officials say

The Chinese company BGI Group, which is the largest biotech firm in the world, reportedly offered to build COVID-19 labs in six U.S. states following the outbreak of the virus, 60 Minutes reported.

U.S. intelligence officials have issued warnings not to share medical information with Chinese-owned BGI Group, as it is expected to have ties to the Chinese government and may be collecting data for nefarious purposes.

The company reportedly first asked the Governor of Washington state to construct labs within the state shortly after the outbreak, then reaching out to New York and California, in addition to three other states, according to 60 minutes.

Top U.S. counterintelligence officer Bill Evanina was alerted to the strange activity by the foreign biotech giant, soon after issuing a public warning.

"Foreign powers can collect, store and exploit biometric information from COVID tests," the notice read.

Evanina says he believes that these labs could be connected to China's plan to collect the world's biodata. Due to his issued warning, none of the six states agreed to BGI Group building their labs within their borders.

"We put out an advisory to not only every American, but to hospitals, associations, and clinics. Knowing that BGI is a Chinese company, do we understand where that data's going?"

Evanina says that acquiring the U.S's biodata could lead to China taking control of the global healthcare industry.

"From a long-term existential cost to our nation, do we want to do that? Do we want to have another nation systematically eliminate our health care services?" Evanina asked. "That's what's happening."

The U.S. is already reportedly dependent on China to supply the personnel protective Equipment (PPE) it is currently using in efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19, according to 60 Minutes.