"I believe scientists here in UK are releasing some of these creatures"
The previous history of releases around the world has not been a happy one. From mink to rhododendron the local flora and fauna has taken a severe kicking. I hope the homework has been thorough! As the saying goes: The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
In west Cork the council has been very active spraying roadside patches of Japanese Knotweed. Little notices are erected at each location. Whatever they are using for a herbicide seems lethal. The ground around is bare. 400+ roadside sites have been identified.