(DailyChive.com) – A shocking federal case out of California accuses a Chinese national of smuggling weapons and high-tech devices to North Korea. According to court documents, Shenghua Wen, who is living illegally in the U.S., worked with others to ship firearms, ammunition, and military-grade equipment from California to North Korea. Federal agents believe the shipments were intended to aid a potential North Korean attack on South Korea.
The Justice Department alleges Wen shipped at least two containers filled with firearms and ammunition. These shipments, which began in Long Beach, California, were routed through Hong Kong before reaching North Korea. Investigators say Wen concealed the weapons inside shipping containers to avoid detection.
In August, agents raided Wen’s home in Ontario, California, and found two military-grade devices: a chemical threat detector and a receiver capable of locating hidden surveillance equipment. Court documents reveal Wen admitted these devices were meant for North Korea’s military. The investigation also uncovered 50,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition in Wen’s van. He allegedly told authorities he planned to send the ammunition to North Korea on orders from government officials there.
Wen’s story began in 2012 when he entered the U.S. on a student visa. He stayed illegally after his visa expired. Before arriving in the U.S., he allegedly met with North Korean officials in China, who tasked him with smuggling weapons and supplies for their military. He told investigators he was chosen for the job because of his “skills” in smuggling.
Prosecutors claim Wen received $2 million from North Korean officials to buy weapons and military supplies. He even purchased an armory and a federal firearm license in Texas under a partner’s name to cover his tracks. Knowing direct purchases would attract attention, Wen had others buy firearms for him, which he then transported to California. He allegedly shipped these weapons to China, where they were sent on to North Korea.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada described the case as a chilling threat to national security. “North Korea was using an operative on our soil to obtain weapons and advanced technology for a potential attack on South Korea,” Estrada said.
Federal agents are continuing their investigation into this alarming scheme.
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