The person at the center of this case
United States (economic sanctions violations and fraud)
Cold Case · Open
12 years waiting · since 2014
LI FANGWEI
Justice for United States (economic sanctions violations and fraud) — the trail went cold in 2014, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🎯
suspect
Lead #1What is Li Fangwei's current location and identity status given his use of the alias Karl Lee?
🔍
evidence
Lead #2How extensive is the network of front companies and what specific missile components were supplied to Iran?
📞
contact
Lead #3What financial institutions and individuals facilitated the prohibited transactions worth millions of dollars?
Li Fangwei, also known as Karl Lee, is a Chinese national wanted by the FBI for allegedly operating a network of front companies to supply components for Iran's ballistic missile program while defrauding U.S. financial institutions. Indicted in April 2014 in the Southern District of New York, he is accused of violating international economic sanctions through millions of dollars in prohibited transactions. His current whereabouts remain unknown, and authorities seek information on his location and ongoing financial activities.
Case
#620
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) / U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
💡
clue
Lead #4Are there ongoing financial transactions through U.S. banks that could reveal his current operational base?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
Conspiracy to Violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (One Count); Violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (Two Counts); Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering (One Count); Conspiracy to Commit Wire and Bank Fraud (One Count); Wire Fraud (Two Counts) Caution: Li Fangwei, who is more commonly known by the name Karl Lee, was previously sanctioned by the United States for his alleged role as a principal supplier to Iran's ballistic missile program. It is alleged that from 2006 through the present time Li Fangwei controlled a large network of front companies based in Eastern China which he allegedly used to defraud United States banks, regulators, and companies in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferators Sanctions Regulations.
It is also alleged that he continues to violate United States law and economic sanctions by engaging in prohibited transactions worth millions of dollars through United States-based financial institutions. Li Fangwei was indicted on April 28, 2014, in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York, and a federal arrest warrant was issued after he was charged with Conspiracy to Violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (One Count); Violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (Two Counts); Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering (One Count); Conspiracy to Commit Wire and Bank Fraud (One Count); and Wire Fraud (Two Counts).
Remarks: Li Fangwei is known to speak both Mandarin and English.
Timeline of Events
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2006
Network operations begin
Li Fangwei allegedly began controlling a network of front companies in Eastern China
🕵️
2014-04-28
Indictment filed
Li Fangwei indicted in U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York on multiple charges including IEEPA violations, money laundering conspiracy, and wire fraud
Key Locations
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Case Information
Incident:January 1, 2006
Last Updated:September 10, 2026
Up to $5 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case
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Case Information
Incident:January 1, 2006
Last Updated:September 10, 2026
Up to $5 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case