The person at the center of this case
United States financial institutions and government sanctions enforcement
Cold Case · Open
12 years waiting · since 2014
LI FANGWEI
Justice for United States financial institutions and government sanctions enforcement — 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 is the network of front companies, and which U.S. financial institutions were defrauded?
💡
clue
Lead #3What specific ballistic missile components were supplied to Iran, and through what supply chains?
Li Fangwei, also known as Karl Lee, was indicted in April 2014 for operating a network of front companies in Eastern China to illegally supply components to Iran's ballistic missile program and defraud U.S. financial institutions. He allegedly violated international economic sanctions and engaged in money laundering and wire fraud schemes worth millions of dollars through U.S. banks. His current whereabouts remain unknown, and he continues to be sought by federal authorities for these serious national security and financial crimes.
Case
#620
Eastern China (operations); United States (fraud victims)
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.
📞
contact
Lead #4Li Fangwei is fluent in Mandarin and English—has anyone had recent contact or sightings?
⏰
timeline
Lead #5How did Li Fangwei continue prohibited transactions after initial sanctions in 2006?
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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
🕵️
2006
Network operations begin
Li Fangwei allegedly began controlling a network of front companies in Eastern China
🕵️
2014-04-28
Indictment issued
Li Fangwei was indicted in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York on charges including conspiracy to violate IEEPA, money laundering, and wire fraud
Case Information
Incident:January 1, 2006
Last Updated:April 29, 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:April 29, 2026
Up to $5 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case