A Chinese national living illegally in the United States has been arrested and charged with shipping weapons, ammunition, and sensitive electronics to North Korea for military use, federal authorities announced on Tuesday. The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Shenghua Wen, allegedly facilitated the shipments from California to North Korea through intermediaries in Hong Kong.
Wen, who entered the U.S. on a student visa in 2012 and overstayed after its expiration in 2013, was arrested at his residence in Ontario, California. According to a criminal complaint, Wen had been operating as an agent for the North Korean government, sourcing firearms, ammunition, and export-controlled technology intended for use in a potential attack on South Korea.
Federal investigators revealed that Wen had met with North Korean officials in China before coming to the U.S., during which he was directed to procure goods on behalf of Pyongyang. "Wen explained that he met North Korean government officials at two separate North Korean Consulates in China before he came to the United States," the complaint stated.
At a press conference, U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said, "The conduct alleged in this complaint is chilling," emphasizing the risk posed to both national and global security by Wen's actions.
The investigation uncovered a sophisticated scheme involving straw purchases, concealed shipping containers, and falsified declarations. Prosecutors alleged that Wen orchestrated shipments by hiding items in containers labeled as holding appliances or camera parts. These shipments passed through Long Beach, California, and Hong Kong before reaching North Korea.
In August, federal agents discovered a chemical threat identification device and a handheld broadband receiver in Wen's home, both allegedly intended for military use by North Korea. A month later, a raid on Wen's vehicle uncovered 50,000 rounds of ammunition. Investigators believe the ammunition was also destined for North Korea.
Prosecutors detailed how Wen used $2 million provided by North Korean officials to establish a federally licensed firearms business in Texas, which he then used as a front to acquire weapons. Wen also relied on others to make straw purchases on his behalf to circumvent legal restrictions.
The complaint noted that Wen successfully executed two shipments to North Korea in October and December 2023. Records show that he worked with a Hong Kong-based broker to manage the shipments, with additional deliveries planned before his arrest.
"Some of the ammunition was being stored in a white van outside Wen's home," the complaint revealed. Wen reportedly told investigators that he purchased 20,000 rounds at a gun store in Arizona and another 30,000 rounds at an Ace Hardware in Sacramento, California.
Special Agent in Charge Shawn S. Gibson of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego highlighted the seriousness of the case, stating, "National and global security had been put at risk by this alleged scheme."
Wen faces charges of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a felony carrying a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Officials confirmed that the investigation, led by the FBI, is ongoing and could result in additional charges.
Estrada reaffirmed the government's commitment to pursuing all leads in the case. "We will continue to investigate every aspect of this scheme. We know North Korean officials were involved," he said.
Wen's immigration status has also raised concerns. Despite a removal order issued in 2018, Wen remained in the country and was previously arrested in 2021 for overstaying his visa.
