Shenghua Wen, a 41-year-old resident of Ontario, California, was arrested on charges of exporting firearms, ammunition, and military items to North Korea. According to a criminal complaint, Wen allegedly concealed these items in shipping containers bound from Long Beach.
Wen is a Chinese national who is illegally residing in the United States. He was apprehended this morning and is scheduled to appear in the Central District of California later today.
An affidavit filed on November 26 states that Wen obtained export-controlled technology with plans to ship it to North Korea. This act violates federal law and U.S. sanctions against North Korea. The affidavit further alleges that Wen and his co-conspirators sent shipments through Hong Kong.
On August 14, authorities seized two devices at Wen's home intended for military use: a chemical threat identification device and a hand-held broadband receiver designed to detect eavesdropping devices. On September 6, approximately 50,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition were also confiscated.
Law enforcement reviewed Wen’s iPhone and discovered evidence that he smuggled items from Long Beach to Hong Kong with North Korea as their final destination in December 2023. Messages found on his phone included discussions about shipping military-grade equipment and photographs of export-controlled items under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Between January and April, Wen communicated with a U.S.-based broker regarding acquiring a civilian plane engine. Text messages on his phone revealed negotiations over the price of the plane and its engine.
Wen has overstayed his student visa in the United States, making him prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition without necessary licenses for exporting such materials.
He faces charges under conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act which could result in up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.
The investigation involves multiple agencies including the FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; Defense Criminal Investigative Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Gerdes for the Central District of California along with Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal are handling prosecution duties for this case.
It is important to note that a criminal complaint serves as an allegation only. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.