The world’s most dangerous arms dealer | DW Documentary

DW Documentary・2 minutes read

Lee Fengwei, a high-profile criminal wanted by the FBI, has evaded capture by various intelligence agencies for decades while supplying Iran with materials for ballistic missiles, setting up a complex web of illicit activities and posing a threat to regional security. Despite efforts by the US government and international collaboration to stop him, Lee's illegal exports and strategic alliances continue to present challenges, raising questions about his potential status as a double agent and the ongoing security threats he poses.

Insights

  • Lee Fengwei, also known as Carl Lee, is a high-profile criminal on the FBI's most wanted list, with a $5 million bounty on his head, involved in supplying Iran with materials for ballistic missiles, breaching UN Security Council sanctions, and posing a significant threat to regional security.
  • Despite extensive global intelligence efforts and diplomatic pressure, including involvement from the US government, China, and Israel, Lee's illicit activities persist, showcasing the complex challenges in combating his network and highlighting potential government involvement in addressing security threats posed by individuals like Lee.

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  • Who is Lee Fengwei?

    A high-profile criminal on the FBI's most wanted list.

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Summary

00:00

Elusive Criminal: Lee Fengwei's Global Pursuit

  • Lee Fengwei, also known as Carl Lee, is a high-profile criminal on the FBI's most wanted list, with a $5 million bounty on his head.
  • Various intelligence agencies, including the CIA, Mossad, and the German BND, have been pursuing Lee for decades without success.
  • Lee is compared to Colombian drug lords like Pablo Escobar, with an air of mystery surrounding him.
  • Aaron Arnold, a former FBI intelligence analyst, describes the Carly case as the most unique and sophisticated he has encountered.
  • Lee is a key figure in supplying Iran with materials for ballistic missiles, breaching UN Security Council sanctions.
  • Lee's activities caught the attention of Israel's spy agencies, fearing the impact on their security due to Iranian missile capabilities.
  • Lee's childhood in Heilongjiang, China, during the Cultural Revolution sheds light on his origins in a remote and impoverished area.
  • The US government attempted to persuade China to take action against Lee, sharing sensitive information despite the risks involved.
  • Lee's supply of gyroscopes and other materials to Iran significantly enhanced their missile capabilities, posing a threat to regional security.
  • Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau's pursuit of international crime led to his involvement in investigating Lee's illicit activities.

21:17

"Carl Lee: From China to Iran"

  • Israel viewed terrorism as a threat to New York post-9/11.
  • Israel's Mossad collaborated with U.S prosecutors regarding a mysterious businessman in China.
  • Carl Lee's family ended up in Dalian, China, a city booming in the 1980s.
  • Carl Lee's family had connections to the People's Liberation Army.
  • Carl Lee set up a business in Dalian, which became the foundation of his commercial empire.
  • Carl Lee was involved in reckless transactions, including U.S. dollar payments for materials.
  • Carl Lee set up dummy companies to bypass U.S. bank restrictions.
  • Carl Lee was indicted by Manhattan prosecutors for falsifying business records.
  • Researchers from King's College in London uncovered Carl Lee's network of companies.
  • The FBI assigned a team to investigate Carl Lee's illegal exports to Iran.

42:52

US Government's Efforts to Stop Carly

  • Carly was a major focus of an FBI investigation in the 2014 timeframe due to his activities worsening and other options becoming inviable.
  • The US government recognized an obligation and opportunity to press China to stop Mr. Lee from exporting technology to Iran.
  • China, under Xi Jinping, was approached diplomatically by the US government, including President Obama, to address Carly's activities.
  • The US government launched an unprecedented response involving various agencies to stop Carly, including criminal indictments and sanctions.
  • The FBI seized almost seven million dollars of Carly's money through legal pressure.
  • A five million dollar bounty was announced for information leading to Carly's arrest, a significant amount.
  • The Chinese government issued a public statement on the Carly case, leading to tensions between Beijing and Washington.
  • A website appeared online detailing Carly's alleged involvement in the Yemeni Civil War, created by students as a course project.
  • Jeff Stein, a National Security reporter, covered Carly's case and the US government's efforts to address his activities.
  • The US government's concerns about Carly's involvement in Iran's ballistic missile program and China's strategic alignment with Iran were highlighted.

01:04:50

"Sanctions, Investigations, and Government Intrigue Unveiled"

  • Met with a federal prosecutor and a team of investigators in Germany regarding sanctions enforcement.
  • Presented information to the authorities during a meeting where they asked pertinent questions.
  • Had a pleasant dinner with the police investigators after the meeting.
  • Discovered a lead on an ominous website linked to an Arab Facebook group, administered by Kareem Mustapha.
  • Noted similarities between profiles of Zhang Zhang boa and Kareem Mustapha, both untraceable.
  • Speculated that the operation might be government-run, targeting Carly and other threats.
  • Considered the possibility of government involvement in creating "farting Pig" videos to provoke a reaction.
  • Highlighted the potential involvement of the U.S. or Israel due to their interests in Carly and security threats.
  • Discussed the threat posed by Hezbollah and the importance of the Golan Heights for Israel.
  • Explored the silence surrounding Carly in Washington and speculated on his potential status as a double agent.

01:27:08

Xi Jinping urges Trump to avoid tariffs

  • Chinese head of state Xi Jinping urged Donald Trump to avoid new heavy goods tariffs during a specific period, with Beijing making concessions such as the possible arrest of Lee Fang Wei. However, the proliferation problem associated with Lee Fang Wei and his network persists despite any potential actions taken, indicating ongoing challenges in this murky area.
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