The person at the center of this case
United States financial system and national security interests
Cold Case · Open
12 years waiting · since 2014
LI FANGWEI
Justice for United States financial system and national security interests — 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 how has he evaded capture since 2014?
🔍
evidence
Lead #2How extensive was the network of front companies and which U.S. financial institutions were defrauded?
📞
contact
Lead #3Who are the known associates and co-conspirators in this sanctions violation scheme?
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 Iran's ballistic missile program and violate U.S. economic sanctions. From 2006 onward, he is accused of defrauding American banks and financial institutions through prohibited transactions worth millions of dollars. His current whereabouts remain unknown, and authorities seek public assistance in locating him.
Case
#620
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); United States 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 #4What methods did Li Fangwei use to conceal prohibited transactions through U.S. banking systems?
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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
Alleged illegal activities begin
Li Fangwei allegedly begins controlling network of front companies for Iran sanctions violations
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2014-04-28
Indictment issued
Li Fangwei indicted in U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York on multiple counts including conspiracy to violate IEEPA, money laundering, and wire fraud
Key Locations
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Case Information
Incident:January 1, 2006
Last Updated:June 14, 2026
Up to $5 Reward
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Case Information
Incident:January 1, 2006
Last Updated:June 14, 2026
Up to $5 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case