An illegal Chinese migrant man was arrested Tuesday on federal charges alleging he conspired to export firearms, ammunition, and military equipment to North Korea in violation of U.S. law and international sanctions.
Shenghua Wen, 41, of Ontario, a Chinese national residing illegally in the United States, was taken into custody on a federal criminal complaint charging him with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
Wen appeared in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles and is scheduled for arraignment in the coming weeks.
According to the criminal complaint, Wen obtained firearms, ammunition, and export-controlled technology with the intent to smuggle them to North Korea. Authorities allege he concealed the items in shipping containers sent from Long Beach, California, through Hong Kong to their final destination in North Korea.
On August 14, law enforcement seized two devices at Wen’s residence allegedly intended for North Korean military use: a chemical threat identification device and a hand-held broadband receiver designed to detect eavesdropping devices. On September 6, investigators seized approximately 50,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition Wen had allegedly acquired for export to North Korea.
Evidence retrieved from Wen’s cellphone revealed text messages and emails discussing shipments of military-grade equipment, including photographs of export-controlled items and communications about obtaining a civilian plane engine. The investigation also uncovered that Wen lacked the necessary licenses to export firearms, ammunition, or other sensitive equipment.
READ: China Announces Export Ban On Key Minerals In Retaliation To U.S. Trade Restrictions
Wen, who overstayed his student visa, is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to his immigration status.
“The significance of this arrest and discovery of this scheme cannot be overstated,” said FBI Los Angeles Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis. “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.”
FBI Los Angeles Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis praised the investigative efforts that uncovered Wen’s operation. “Preventing restricted items from reaching the North Korean regime while gathering valuable intelligence underscores the significance of this case,” he said.
Wen’s arrest is part of an ongoing effort to combat illegal exports of sensitive U.S. technology and military-grade equipment to foreign adversaries. Authorities emphasized the severity of violating sanctions and export control laws designed to safeguard national and regional stability.
READ: Wesley Chapel Man Sentenced For Acting As A Chinese Spy
“It is essential that we protect our country from hostile foreign states that have adverse interests to our nation,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “We have arrested a defendant who allegedly acted at the direction of the North Korean government by conspiring to illegally ship firearms, ammunition, and other military equipment to North Korea. I am grateful to our law enforcement partners for stopping this threat and their tireless commitment to the security of our nation.”
The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security are continuing their investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Gerdes and Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal from the Department of Justice’s National Security Division are leading the prosecution.
The public is reminded that a criminal complaint contains allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.