On Tuesday, a Chinese national named Shenghua Wen was arrested for allegedly attempting to ship weapons and ammunition from Long Beach, California, to North Korea. Wen, who is 41 years old and has been living in the U.S. illegally after overstaying a student visa, faces charges under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. This act prohibits activities that could contribute to foreign threats to national security, and violations are classified as felonies with a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized the seriousness of Wen’s offenses, noting that his illegal possession of firearms and ammunition stemmed from his immigration status.
The investigation into Wen’s activities revealed that he had been involved in exporting shipments of firearms, ammunition, and military equipment to North Korea. These items were reportedly concealed within shipping containers that passed through Long Beach, Hong Kong, and eventually arrived in North Korea. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada highlighted the threat posed by individuals acting in concert with hostile foreign governments, noting that Wen’s actions represented a direct risk to U.S. security and defiance of both federal law and international sanctions against North Korea.
An affidavit filed in support of Wen’s arrest detailed several covert activities leading to his apprehension. This included his acquisition of firearms, ammunition, and export-controlled technology, all of which he allegedly intended to transport to North Korea. Such actions not only violated U.S. laws but also posed a significant threat given North Korea’s known military ambitions and adversarial stance towards the United States. The affidavit described his modus operandi, which involved carefully hiding these items in shipping containers bound for the North Korean state, in an effort to evade U.S. regulations.
Law enforcement investigations revealed that prior to Wen’s arrest, officials had seized several devices from his residence believed to be intended for military use in North Korea. These included a chemical threat identification device and a hand-held broadband receiver capable of detecting eavesdropping devices. Moreover, in September, investigators found a substantial cache of approximately 50,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition at his home, reinforcing suspicions about his intentions to arm North Korea.
According to the criminal complaint, Wen indicated to authorities that North Korean officials had transferred approximately $2 million to him for the specific purpose of procuring firearms and related materials. Wen had reportedly gone as far as purchasing an armory and obtaining a federal firearm license, highlighting the extent of his planning and determination to facilitate the illegal transfer of military equipment. His network of co-conspirators also played a role, as they helped him acquire firearms in violation of U.S. law.
The response to Wen’s arrest was articulated by Shawn Gibson, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in San Diego, who emphasized the commitment of law enforcement agencies to national security and the protection of sensitive technology. He reiterated that it is a federal crime for foreign entities to obtain and export certain U.S. technologies illegally, and that authorities are dedicated to thoroughly investigating those who attempt to bypass such laws. Wen’s activities showcase a concerning trend of foreign nationals circumventing U.S. regulations to assist antagonistic states, which underscores the ongoing challenges to U.S. national security.