California Man Arrested for Smuggling Weapons to North Korea

Shenghua Wen, a Chinese national living illegally in the U.S., is accused of exporting firearms, ammunition, and military equipment to North Korea, allegedly aiding plans for a surprise attack on South Korea.

Shenghua Wen, 41, allegedly exported firearms, ammunition, and military devices to North Korea by concealing them in shipping containers sent from Long Beach via Hong Kong.
Wen reportedly received $2 million from North Korean officials to procure weapons and other items, including chemical detection devices and eavesdropping detectors, for military use.
Authorities seized 50,000 rounds of ammunition and other restricted items from Wen's home and vehicle during searches in August and September 2024.
Wen, who overstayed his student visa after entering the U.S. in 2012, allegedly used straw purchasers and a Texas-based firearms business to acquire weapons for North Korea.
Prosecutors claim Wen was directed by North Korean officials to obtain military uniforms and plane engines, with the intent of aiding a surprise attack on South Korea.