(Cupventi.com) – A Chinese national residing in California has been arrested on charges of illegally exporting weapons and ammunition to North Korea, the U.S. Department of Justice announced. The individual, identified as 41-year-old Shenghua Wen, faces allegations of orchestrating an illicit operation that involved multiple shipments of military supplies to the sanctioned nation.
Accusations of Smuggling Military Equipment
Court documents allege that Wen “successfully” exported at least two shipments of firearms, ammunition, and related equipment to North Korea. The transactions were reportedly facilitated using approximately $2 million that North Korean entities wired to him. Federal authorities revealed that in September, agents confiscated 50,000 rounds of ammunition from a van parked near Wen’s home in Ontario, California. According to an affidavit, Wen admitted he obtained the ammunition “at the direction of North Korean government officials.”
Wen is charged with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a federal statute prohibiting unauthorized exports to North Korea. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
Unlicensed Shipments and Concealed Exports
Federal investigators allege Wen lacked the proper licenses to export the confiscated items, which included firearms, ammunition, and other military devices. The affidavit details that Wen and unidentified accomplices shipped at least two concealed containers of military equipment from the port of Long Beach, California, through Hong Kong to North Korea.
Authorities also discovered two devices inside Wen’s residence during an August search. These included a chemical threat identification device and a hand-held eavesdropping detection receiver, both of which Wen allegedly intended to deliver to the North Korean military.
Alleged Intentions and North Korean Links
Further examination of Wen’s activities revealed his alleged plans to send the 50,000 rounds of ammunition to North Korea, as well as other military-related items. The FBI reported that Wen’s iPhone contained evidence of his communications regarding additional items for export, including efforts to acquire a civilian plane engine. According to the affidavit, Wen claimed the engine would aid North Korea in advancing its military drone program.
During an interview with federal authorities in December 2023, Wen allegedly stated that North Korea was preparing these resources for a potential attack on South Korea. Agents also found images of individuals in U.S. military uniforms on Wen’s phone, along with discussions about North Korea’s interest in obtaining such uniforms for use in a “surprise attack” against South Korea.
Immigration Status and Prior Arrests
Wen entered the United States on a student visa in December 2012 but remained in the country illegally after his visa expired in 2013. In 2018, he was ordered to be removed from the U.S., yet remained in the country. Wen was previously arrested in 2021, at which time he signed a document acknowledging his unlawful residency status.
The Department of Justice emphasized that Wen’s immigration status made it illegal for him to possess firearms or ammunition, compounding the seriousness of the charges against him.
National Security Concerns
The case underscores concerns about the proliferation of military-grade equipment and the lengths to which sanctioned countries like North Korea will go to bypass international restrictions. The Department of Justice stated that the items Wen allegedly exported, including the sophisticated detection devices and the ammunition, posed significant threats to global security.
Wen is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Tuesday. As of now, it is unclear whether he has legal representation. Federal authorities continue to investigate the extent of his network and the potential involvement of additional co-conspirators.