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The Department of Justice has announced the arrest of a Chinese national who was attempting to export firearms and military technology to North Korea.
What’s the deal: According to federal prosecutors, Shenghua Wen, a 41-year-old Chinese national living in Ontario, California, has been charged with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for allegedly attempting to smuggle firearms, ammunition, and restricted military technology to North Korea. Wen, who has been residing illegally in the United States after overstaying his student visa, is accused of working with co-conspirators to acquire firearms and export-controlled equipment. The alleged scheme involved hiding these items in shipping containers sent from Long Beach, California, through Hong Kong to North Korea, circumventing US export laws and sanctions. A search of Wen’s home revealed a handheld eavesdropping device detector and “approximately 50,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition that Wen allegedly obtained to send to North Korea.”
Digging deeper: In court documents, prosecutors revealed that Wen had established ties to North Korea through meetings with North Korean officials at consulates in China before coming to the United States. These officials allegedly instructed Wen to procure and ship firearms, ammunition, and other military-grade equipment to support North Korea’s military programs. Wen later received additional directives from North Korean operatives in 2022, requesting items such as civilian aircraft engines for drone development and military uniforms, which he believed were intended for a potential surprise attack on South Korea.
Investigators also found communications on Wen’s phone, including messages and photographs, detailing his coordination with North Korean officials and his attempts to fulfill their requests.
US official reacts: In a statement, Akil Davis with the FBI said, “The significance of this arrest and discovery of this scheme cannot be overstated. Not only did the investigative team prevent additional restricted items going to the North Korean regime, but they gathered valuable intelligence for the United States and our allies. I’m proud of the hard work that went into building the case against Wen by dedicated agents and our partners who specialize in cases that involve illegal exports to foreign adversaries who evade sanctions and utilize weapons and technology for nefarious purposes”
