Shenghua Wen, a Chinese man living in the U.S. illegally in Southern California, was arrested for illegally exporting guns, ammunition, and other technology to North Korea. Wen sent shipments of firearms and ammunition hidden in containers from Long Beach to Hong Kong and then North Korea. Law enforcement seized some material before it could be shipped, including 50,000 rounds of ammunition and eavesdropping detection equipment found in Wen’s home. Wen admitted to meeting with North Korean officials in China who instructed him to send goods to North Korea. He purchased guns through straw buyers in Texas and drove them to California. The North Korean officials also requested civilian aircraft engines for their military’s drone program and military uniforms, which Wen believed would be used for a surprise attack against South Korea. Wen is charged with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, with a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The case details, including information on co-conspirators and specific technology involved, are redacted from the affidavit. It is unclear if Wen has legal representation at this time.
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Chinese man living in the United States accused of sending weapons to North Korea
