A Chinese man living in the US illegally, Shenghua Wen, was arrested for exporting guns, ammunition, and technology to North Korea. Wen was living in California on an expired visa when he sent shipments of firearms and ammunition hidden in shipping containers to North Korea via Hong Kong. Law enforcement seized some materials before they could be shipped, including 50,000 rounds of ammunition and eavesdropping detection devices. 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 planned to send aircraft engines and military uniforms to North Korea as well. Wen faces charges of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The case has not yet shown up in publicly available court records, and it is unclear if Wen has legal representation. The FBI emphasized the significance of Wen’s arrest in preventing illegal trade with North Korea, especially given the severe sanctions against the country.
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