Chinese Person Arrested in United States for Allegedly Sending Weapons to North Korea

[ad_1]
Shenghua Wen, a Chinese man living in the U.S. illegally, was arrested for exporting guns and ammunition to North Korea and planning to send technology to the nuclear-armed country. The illicit trade involved at least two shipments hidden in shipping containers from Long Beach, California, to Hong Kong and then North Korea. Law enforcement officials seized some material before it could be shipped. Wen came to the U.S. on a student visa in 2012 but stayed after it expired. He allegedly bought guns through straw buyers, mostly in Texas, and drove them to California. In addition to guns and ammunition, North Korean officials also wanted Wen to send civilian aircraft engines to help their drone program and military uniforms for a potential surprise attack against South Korea. Wen is charged with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which carries up to 20 years in prison if convicted. It is not clear if he has legal representation. This case highlights the significance of the arrest and the danger of illegal exports to sanctioned countries like North Korea.

Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com