Profiling the key co conspirators in this illicit operation

Описание: For over a decade, a sophisticated network led by a single mastermind, Liu Baoxia, funneled thousands of critical US electronic components directly to Iran's military. This is the unbelievable true story of how seemingly ordinary trade was used to build a war machine, with devastating consequences now seen in Ukraine and across the Middle East. This operation ran for 13 years, masterfully deceiving US suppliers and exploiting global trade systems to arm a designated terrorist organization, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The network, orchestrated by Liu Baoxia, also known as Emily Liu, established an intricate web of front companies in China and Hong Kong. These companies, with benign profiles like trading in lamps and carpets, were used to procure sensitive dual-use technology. The components, including integrated circuits, microelectronics, and even a multi-axis filament winder crucial for missile production, were the literal building blocks for Iran's advanced drone and ballistic missile programs. The investigation reveals how this technology was diverted through these permissive hubs, laundered through the export control system with falsified documents, and delivered directly to sanctioned entities like Shiraz Electronics Industries (SEI) and Rayan Roshd Afzar.
The impact of this illicit supply chain is a direct threat to global stability. The same Iranian drones built with these components, like the Shahed series, have been sold to Russia and used to attack civilian targets in Ukraine. They have also been proliferated to proxy forces like the Houthis in Yemen, who use them to disrupt global shipping in the Red Sea, and Hezbollah in Lebanon, threatening regional peace. This case highlights the chilling reality of modern warfare, where a violation on paper translates directly into real-world violence and human suffering.
In response, the U.S. government has launched a massive, coordinated counter-attack. The Department of Justice unsealed a sweeping indictment, the Treasury Department's OFAC had already sanctioned Liu and her companies, and the newly formed Disruptive Technology Strike Force is leading the charge to dismantle these networks. In an unprecedented move, the State Department has offered a $15 million reward through its Rewards for Justice program for information on Liu Baoxia and her network, a clear signal of the immense threat they pose to U.S. national security. This is not just a story of smuggling; it's a window into the re-emerging great power conflict and the battle to control the flow of technology that fuels modern war. If you found this investigation into global security and illicit networks fascinating, be sure to hit the like button, subscribe for more deep dives, and ring the notification bell so you never miss an update. Share this video to spread awareness about this critical threat.
#Iran #NationalSecurity #Geopolitics