Man Accused of Shipping Guns and Ammunition to North Korea Arrested in California

California Resident Faces Charges for Illegal Exports to North Korea

Web Desk — Shenghua Wen, a 41-year-old Chinese national residing illegally in Ontario, California, has been arrested on accusations of shipping firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and military-grade equipment to North Korea. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Wen was charged with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a federal law prohibiting transactions with sanctioned nations or entities.

Severe Penalties for IEEPA Violations
Violations of the IEEPA can result in significant civil and criminal penalties, including up to 20 years in federal prison. If convicted, Wen faces this maximum sentence, the U.S. Attorney’s Office stated. As of Tuesday, court records showed no legal representation for Wen.

What Are the Allegations Against Wen?
An affidavit filed on November 26 alleges that Wen acquired firearms, ammunition, and export-controlled technology to ship them to North Korea, violating U.S. sanctions. Law enforcement claimed Wen and unidentified co-conspirators used shipping containers routed through Long Beach and Hong Kong to smuggle these items.

Law Enforcement Seizes Military Equipment and Ammunition
During an August 14 search of Wen’s residence, authorities seized two specialized devices—a chemical threat identification device and a broadband receiver for detecting eavesdropping equipment—intended for North Korean military use. On September 6, law enforcement confiscated approximately 50,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition allegedly procured by Wen for shipment to North Korea.

Photographic Evidence and Text Messages Reveal Smuggling Operation
Authorities recovered messages from Wen’s iPhone revealing detailed discussions with co-conspirators about exporting military-grade items to North Korea. Some messages included photographs of firearms. Records also showed Wen attempting to acquire a civilian plane engine earlier this year, exchanging emails and text messages with a U.S.-based broker.

Wen’s Legal Status and Licensing Violations
Wen had overstayed his student visa, rendering his presence in the U.S. illegal. This status prohibits him from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition. Additionally, Wen lacked the licenses required to export controlled items, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Implications for U.S. National Security
The case underscores ongoing concerns about illegal arms trafficking and its potential implications for international security. The Justice Department emphasized its commitment to preventing sanctioned nations like North Korea from acquiring military-grade equipment through illicit channels.