Ma Xiaohong was charged with violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act; conspiracy to violate the act and defraud the United States; conspiracy to violate, evade and avoid restrictions imposed under the Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferators Sanctions Regulations; and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. The indictment comes three years after a previous indictment for conspiring to evade U.S. economic sanctions.
“Through the use of more than 20 front companies, the defendants are alleged to have sought to obscure illicit financial dealings on behalf of sanctioned North Korean entities that were involved in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,” said Assistant Attorney General John Demers. “But through the tireless efforts of federal law enforcement, we were able to shine a light on their lawless conduct and take the first step in bringing them to justice.”
Ma’s whereabouts are unknown, and several of her companies are shuttered. The Chinese government has stated that it is conducting its own investigation into her business ties with North Korea.