A California man has been arrested for his involvement in a sophisticated scheme to assist the North Korean regime in obtaining restricted weapons and military-grade technology. The individual, a Chinese national residing unlawfully in Ontario, California, allegedly conspired with North Korean officials to procure prohibited items.
According to federal prosecutors, the suspect, identified as Shenghua Wen, overstayed his visa in the US and remained in the country illegally. It is alleged that Wen, who arrived in the US as a student in 2012, was paid $2 million by the North Korean government to obtain weapons, ammunition, and military-related equipment.
During interviews with the FBI, Wen revealed that the North Korean government intended to use the acquired items to prepare for a potential attack against South Korea. In addition to weapons and equipment, Wen was tasked with obtaining military uniforms in the US, which were allegedly intended to be used by North Korean soldiers to disguise themselves during a surprise attack on South Korea.
The arrest of Wen was the result of an investigation that uncovered his establishment of an export company in Texas, through which firearms and ammunition were procured and transported to the Los Angeles area. Authorities seized 50,000 rounds of ammunition, chemical detection equipment, and surveillance devices from Wen's residence.
If convicted of violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, Wen could face up to 20 years in prison. Law enforcement officials emphasized the seriousness of the case, highlighting the potential risks posed by the transfer of sensitive technology and items to hostile nations like North Korea.
US Attorney Martin Estrada commended the intervention of law enforcement in preventing further illicit activities by Wen, while Homeland Security Investigations stressed the importance of preventing restricted items from falling into the wrong hands. The FBI's Los Angeles division noted that the investigation not only halted the transfer of prohibited items but also yielded valuable intelligence for the United States and its allies.
