Illegal Chinese Migrant Charged with Smuggling Arms to North Korea

Chinese Migrant

Authorities have arrested Shenghua Wen, a 41-year-old Chinese national. He is accused of smuggling firearms, ammunition, and military equipment to North Korea. Wen entered the United States on a student visa in 2012 but stayed longer than allowed. He has been living illegally in San Bernardino County, California.

If found guilty, Wen could face up to 20 years in prison. This is for conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Wen is believed to have worked for the North Korean government. He used shipping containers from the Port of Long Beach to hide his shipments. At his home, authorities found a chemical threat identification device and a handheld countersurveillance gadget.

They also found an astonishing 50,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition in his van. All of these items were headed for North Korea.

Key Takeaways

  • Shenghua Wen, a 41-year-old Chinese national, was arrested for smuggling arms to North Korea.
  • Wen entered the U.S. in 2012 on a student visa and overstayed, living illegally in California.
  • Wen faces up to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
  • Authorities seized military equipment and 50,000 rounds of ammunition from Wen’s home and vehicle.
  • Wen allegedly received $2 million from North Korean officials for his illicitย arms traffickingย activities.

Background of Shenghua Wen’s Illegal Entry and Residence

Shenghua Wen, a 41-year-old Chinese national, has been living illegally in the United States for years. He first came on a student visa, valid from December 5, 2012, to December 3, 2013. But he stayed beyond his visa’s end, breaking U.S. laws and international sanctions.

Student Visa Overstay Details

Wen was told to leave the U.S. in 2018 but stayed. In 2021, he was arrested and admitted to overstaying. Yet, he kept living in the U.S., ending up in San Bernardino County, California.

Immigration Status and Failed Deportation Attempts

Wen’s illegal stay and refusal to leave show the hurdles in dealing withย international sanctions violationย andย illegal residence. The ongoing probe into Wen’s actions stresses the need for strong immigration checks. It aims to stop suchย visa overstayย cases in the future.

Settlement in San Bernardino County

  • Wen evaded deportation and settled in San Bernardino County, California, continuing his illegal actions.
  • The area became his base for his schemes, showing the need for better cooperation between federal and local agencies to tackle such issues.
Key Details Value
Wen’s Residence San Bernardino County, California
Student Visa Validity December 5, 2012 – December 3, 2013
Deportation Order 2018
Arrest and Acknowledgment of Overstay 2021

Chinese National Charged with Smuggling Arms to North Korea

Shenghua Wen, a 41-year-old Chinese national living illegally in the U.S., has been arrested. He is accused of smuggling firearms, ammunition, and military items to North Korea. Wen used tricks like labeling items as refrigerators and camera parts to hide the shipments.