The person at the center of this case
Yanlai Zhong (fugitive)
Cold Case · Open
2 years waiting · since 2024
YANLAI ZHONG
Justice for Yanlai Zhong (fugitive) — the trail went cold in 2024, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🎯
suspect
Lead #1Where is Yanlai Zhong currently located, given his known ties to China and Iran?
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evidence
Lead #2What specific U.S.-controlled electronic components were smuggled, and what is their military application in Iranian weapons systems?
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contact
Lead #3Who were the intermediaries and co-conspirators involved in the smuggling network through China and Hong Kong?
Yanlai Zhong, also known as Sydney Chung, is wanted by the FBI for his alleged role in a years-long conspiracy to illegally export U.S.-controlled electronic components through China and Hong Kong to Iran, ultimately benefiting Iranian military entities including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The investigation centers on the unlawful smuggling of export-controlled items used in Iran's development of missiles, weapons, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Zhong remains at large with suspected ties to the People's Republic of China and Iran, and anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact the FBI.
Case
#1156
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
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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 entities affiliated with the IRGC and MODAFL were the ultimate recipients of the smuggled components?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
Conspiracy Caution: Yanlai Zhong, aka, Sydney Chung, is wanted for his alleged involvement in a years-long conspiracy to unlawfully export and smuggle U.S.-origin electronic components from the United States to Iran. It is alleged that he unlawfully exported and smuggled U.S.
export controlled items through China and Hong Kong ultimately for the benefit of entities affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL), which supervises Iran’s development and production of missiles, weapons, and military aerial equipment to include Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). On January 31, 2024, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Zhong in the United States District Court of the District of Columbia, Washington, D.C., after he was charged with Conspiracy.
Remarks: Zhong has ties to or may visit the People's Republic of China and Iran.
Timeline of Events
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2024-01-31
Federal arrest warrant issued
A federal arrest warrant was issued for Yanlai Zhong in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, Washington, D.C., charging him with Conspiracy to unlawfully export and smuggle U.S.-origin electronic components.
Key Locations
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Case Information
Incident:January 31, 2024
Last Updated:September 10, 2026
Up to $15 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case
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Case Information
Incident:January 31, 2024
Last Updated:September 10, 2026
Up to $15 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case