U.S. Arrests Chinese Man For Shipping Illegal Weapons & Military Equipment To North Korea

A Chinese national living in California has been arrested and charged with illegally smuggling weapons, ammunition, and military equipment to North Korea.

Federal authorities revealed that Shenghua Wen, 41, sent shipments hidden in containers from the Port of Long Beach, labelling them as refrigerators and camera parts.

These containers passed through Hong Kong before reaching North Korea.

The U.S. Attorney’s office in Los Angeles and the FBI announced the arrest. Wen reportedly acted under direct orders from the North Korean government.

According to the authorities, he exported firearms, ammunition, and restricted technology, violating U.S. sanctions.

U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Martin Estrada, said that Wen was conspiring to illegally ship ammunition, firearms, and other military equipment to North Korea.

FBI Los Angeles Assistant Director Akil Davis discussed the importance of preventing sensitive materials from reaching the North Korean regime.

Wen entered the U.S. in 2012 on a student visa, which expired a year later. He stayed illegally and was ordered to leave in 2018. Authorities revealed that he purchased a firearms business in Texas for $150,000 and used it to source weapons, which he then transported to California for shipment.

Investigators found that Wen received around $2 million from North Korean officials to fund the operation.

During a search of his Ontario, California, home, authorities seized 50,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a chemical threat identification device, and a surveillance detection tool.

They also found evidence of Wen’s attempts to buy a civilian plane engine, allegedly intended for North Korea’s drone program.

Wen reportedly admitted to shipping two containers of weapons in late 2023. He also told investigators that North Korea planned to use the items in a surprise attack on South Korea.

Officials found messages on his phone discussing shipments and negotiating prices for military equipment.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent Shawn Gibson talked about the importance of protecting U.S. technology, warning that those who try to bypass the law “will be thoroughly investigated.”

Wen faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted. His arraignment is expected soon, and the investigation is underway.

References: AP News, LA Times

Source: Maritime Shipping News