California Man Charged with Smuggling Weapons to North Korea Hidden in Shipping Containers
Man Accused of Shipping Weapons to North Korea
Source: ABC7 News
Overview of Arrest
- Shenghua Wen, an undocumented Chinese national residing in Ontario, California, was arrested for allegedly shipping weapons to North Korea.
- Charges include procuring and shipping guns, ammunition, and electronics hidden in shipping containers through Long Beach, California.
Details of Allegations
- Prosecutors claim Wen was assisting North Korea in preparations for a potential surprise attack on South Korea.
- Federal agents seized a chemical threat identification device and a handheld broadband receiver intended for military use from Wen's home.
- Over 50,000 rounds of ammunition were found in Wen's vehicle, which he allegedly admitted were meant for North Korea.
Background Information
- Wen entered the U.S. on a student visa in 2012 and remained illegally.
- Prior to his stay, he is believed to have met with North Korean officials in China for procurement instructions.
- Wen relied on straw purchases to acquire weapons, funded by $2 million allegedly sent from North Korea to establish a firearms business in Texas.
Prosecutorial Commentary
- U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada described the conduct alleged in the complaint as "chilling."
