Chinese National in US Admits to Illegally Sending Weapons to North Korea
A Chinese man residing illegally in the United States has pleaded guilty to exporting firearms, ammunition, and military-related equipment to North Korea under the guidance of Pyongyang authorities, according to the US Department of Justice.
The individual, Shenghua Wen, from Ontario, California, confessed to conspiring to breach the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a 1977 law that enables the US president to limit trade with nations posing national security threats. He also admitted to serving unlawfully as an agent of a foreign government.
Federal prosecutors revealed that in 2023, Wen shipped at least three containers carrying weapons intended for North Korea, with one shipment reaching the North Korean port city of Nampo via Hong Kong.
To execute this operation, Wen purchased a firearms business in Houston, Texas, and used falsified documents to misrepresent the contents of the shipments. Authorities say he acquired approximately 60,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition and specialized technology, including a chemical threat detection device, which were intended for delivery to North Korea.
Investigators claim that Wen was instructed by North Korean officials he had met at the country’s embassy in China, prior to his entry into the US on a student visa in 2012. He allegedly received around $2 million to carry out the operation.
According to a statement from the US Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, Wen acknowledged knowing it was illegal to export firearms, ammunition, and sensitive technologies to North Korea, and that he lacked the necessary export licenses. He also admitted acting under the orders of the North Korean government without informing the US Attorney General, as required by law.
During an FBI interrogation, Wen reportedly stated he believed the North Korean regime sought the weapons and ammunition in preparation for a potential assault on South Korea.
