A Chinese man living in the United States illegally, Shenghua Wen, was arrested for exporting guns and ammunition to North Korea, as well as planning to send technology to the country. Wen conducted the illicit trade from Ontario, California, on an expired visa, sending at least two shipments of firearms and ammunition hidden in shipping containers to Hong Kong and then to North Korea. Law enforcement seized some material before it could be shipped, including 50,000 rounds of ammunition and eavesdropping detection technology found in Wen’s home. Wen had met with North Korean officials in China prior to coming to the U.S. and was instructed to send goods to North Korea despite severe sanctions restricting trade with the country. He purchased guns through straw buyers in Texas and drove them to California to send to North Korea, allegedly with the assistance of unnamed co-conspirators. The North Korean officials also requested civilian aircraft engines for their drone program and military uniforms to launch a surprise attack against South Korea, according to the affidavit. Wen faces charges of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which could result in a 20-year prison sentence if convicted. Online court records did not have information on his case or if he had legal representation.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
