The U.S. government is offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest of four Chinese nationals accused of supporting Iran’s military programs. The individuals allegedly helped Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) by supplying advanced technology.
The four Chinese nationals named by the U.S. are:
- Liu Baoxia (Emily Liu) – A procurement agent and arms broker, she is on the FBI’s most wanted list.
- Li Yongxin (Emma Lee)
- Yung Yiu Wa (Stephen Yung)
- Zhong Yanlai (Sydney Chung)
These individuals are accused of supplying Iran with U.S. dual-use technology, which can be used for both civilian and military purposes. This technology allegedly helped Iran produce and sell weapons.
The U.S. government aims to disrupt Iran’s financial network, especially the IRGC, which is labeled as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The IRGC is accused of financing terrorist groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran-backed militias in Iraq.
The U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program is leading the effort to track down these individuals.
On Thursday, the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced new sanctions on a Chinese oil refinery and its CEO.
The refinery allegedly bought and processed hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian crude oil. The oil shipments were linked to Iran’s Ministry of Defense and the Houthis.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that these oil sales are a major source of income for Iran. The U.S. is determined to block Iran’s revenue streams to stop the funding of terrorism and nuclear development.
By offering a $15 million bounty and imposing new sanctions, the U.S. is increasing pressure on those who support Iran’s military programs.
