Shengua Wen Arrested for Illegal Gun Shipment to North Korea

A 41-year-old man, Shengua Wen, has been arrested by federal immigration authorities for illegally sending guns and ammunition to North Korea. Wen, originally from China, arrived in the U.S. on a student visa in 2012 but stayed after his visa expired. He was arrested on Tuesday in California for violating U.S. laws in a serious case.

What Happened?

Wen allegedly bought firearms and ammunition in Texas, concealing them in shipping containers, to send them to North Korea. He had coordinated the plan with North Korean officials even before arriving in the U.S.

What Was Found?

In August, federal agents searched Wen’s home and uncovered several suspicious items, including:

A device for detecting dangerous chemicals
A tool to find hidden listening devices

Wen claimed that he planned to send these tools to North Korea’s military.

The Investigation Unfolds

Further investigation in September led to the discovery of 50,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition found in a van near his home. Authorities also revealed that North Korea had sent Wen $2 million via the encrypted messaging app Wickr to fund his weapons purchases.

How Did He Do It?

Wen admitted that he couldn’t directly buy the guns himself, so he paid others to purchase the firearms on his behalf. He made multiple trips to Texas, driving back to California with the firearms. Wen even went so far as to purchase a Houston-based gun company, AK5000 Inc., for $150,000 to aid his operation.

Wen’s Additional Illegal Activities

In addition to the firearms, Wen was also tasked with acquiring plane engines for North Korea’s military drone program. These types of technologies require special government approval to be exported, as they pose significant security risks. U.S. authorities believe that North Korea intended to use these weapons and technologies to target South Korea.

What’s Next for Wen?

Wen now faces serious federal charges, potentially leading to a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. He is expected to appear in court soon to face the charges.

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Alton Walker

Alton Walker is an experienced author at goaifa.com, specializing in USA News, Crime News, and Finance News. Known for his in-depth analysis and timely reporting, Alton covers pressing national issues and financial developments with clarity and insight. His articles offer readers a reliable source of information on current events and valuable perspectives on the financial world.