Man arrested in California for allegedly transporting weapons to North Korea

The government maintains that Wen did not have the required permits to export to North Korea the ammunition, weapons and other equipment confiscated from his home.

He was charged with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

If convicted, the crime is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison.

According to the statement, Wen and unnamed co-conspirators allegedly exported at least two shipments of firearms and ammunition – concealed in containers – from Long Beach through Hong Kong to North Korea.

Federal agents said they seized two devices from Wen’s home in August, and he later allegedly told authorities he intended to send them to North Korea for military use.

The items are said to have included a chemical threat identification device and a hand-held receiver that detects listening devices.

According to the statement, Wen allegedly stated that he intended to send 50,000 rounds of ammunition found in a van outside his home in September to North Korea.

Wen is a Chinese national who allegedly entered the United States in 2012 on a student visa and illegally remained there after its expiration, the Justice Department said, adding that it was illegal for him to possess any firearms or ammunition.

A search of Mr. Wen’s iPhone by the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed additional evidence about items he allegedly intended to send to North Korea, including emails and text messages about obtaining an engine for a civilian plane.

“These engines will be used to develop North Korea’s military drone program,” Wen reportedly told federal authorities, according to the statement.

During a December 2023 interview, Wen allegedly said that North Korea wanted the items “to prepare for an attack on South Korea.”

The FBI also said it found “numerous images” of people in U.S. military uniforms on Wen’s iPhone that were allegedly intended for a “surprise attack on South Korea.”

The statement said his student visa was valid from December 2012 to December 2013.

He was ordered removed from the United States in 2018, according to a statement citing the Department of Homeland Security.

He was previously arrested in 2021 and signed a form at the time confirming he had extended his stay.