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The United States has offered a $15 million reward for information leading to the arrest of four Chinese nationals accused of illegally smuggling US military technology to Iran.
Some shit you should know before you read: If you’re unaware, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is a military and security force in Iran that operates separately from the regular Iranian military (Artesh) and is directly loyal to Iran’s Supreme Leader. Unlike the Artesh, which primarily focuses on national defense, the IRGC is responsible for protecting the Islamic regime, expanding Iran’s influence abroad, and supporting proxy groups across the Middle East. The United States designated the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in 2019, citing its involvement in terrorism, destabilizing activities, and attacks on US forces and allies. The IRGC controls significant sectors of Iran’s economy, including oil, construction, and technology, and it funds and terrorist organizations like Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis in Yemen, and Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria. Due to its role, the IRGC has been heavily sanctioned by the US, the European Union, and the United Nations, with restrictions targeting its financial networks, affiliated companies, and military capabilities as part of broader efforts to curb Iran’s influence and prevent it from acquiring advanced weapons technology.
What’s going on now: In an announcement, the State Department confirmed a $15 million reward for information leading to the arrest of four Chinese nationals—Liu Baoxia (Emily Liu), Li Yongxin (Emma Lee), Yung Yiu Wa (Stephen Yung), and Zhong Yanlai (Sydney Chung)—who are accused of illegally smuggling US military tech into Iran. According to US officials, the group used front companies in China to acquire dual-use electronic components from American manufacturers, falsely claiming they were for domestic use when, in reality, they were secretly exported to the IRGC and its affiliated defense companies. These components were then used to develop drones, missile guidance systems, and other advanced weaponry, which Iran subsequently sold to Russia, Sudan, Yemen, and other allied nations and militant groups.
How it worked: The smuggling network allegedly operated for nearly two decades, beginning as early as 2007, using a complex web of shell companies in China and Hong Kong to disguise transactions and evade US export controls. The accused individuals would purchase high-tech components from US suppliers under false pretenses, ensuring the shipments were cleared for export to China. However, once the technology arrived, it was secretly transferred to Iran-linked firms, including Shiraz Electronics Industries (SEI) and Rayan Roshd Afzar, both of which are known to be key suppliers for the IRGC.
Federal arrest warrants have been issued for Liu and Chung, who are now on the FBI’s Most Wanted list.
The US Rewards for Justice program, run by the Diplomatic Security Service, encourages anyone with relevant information to come forward through a secure, anonymous Tor-based tip line. The $15 million reward is not only for the capture of the suspects but also for intelligence that helps disrupt the financial networks supporting the IRGC’s illicit arms trade. Contact info: he5dybnt7sr6cm32xt77pazmtm65flqy6irivtflruqfc5ep7eiodiad.onion (Tor browser required).
