Whale Hunting
Who is Li Fangwei, the Chinese phantom?
Aug 7, 2024
Li Fangwei, a shadowy global arms dealer with a $5 million bounty, joins experts Philipp Grüll and Frederik Obermaier, along with journalists Bastian Obermayer and Christoph Giesen, to discuss his elusive operations. The conversation dives into the murky world of arms trading, revealing connections to dual-use technology and the complexities of international regulations. They explore how legal maneuvers enable illicit dealings and the technology behind modern missile systems, spotlighting the grave implications for global security.
34:45
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Quick takeaways
- Li Fangwei's arms dealing operations, particularly in supplying critical components for Iran’s missile program, showcase his significant impact on global military capabilities.
- The investigation into Li Fangwei reveals how financial secrecy, highlighted by the Panama Papers, facilitates illegal activities in the arms trade through complex networks.
Deep dives
The Covert Arms Dealer
Carl Lee, alias Li Fang Wei, is highlighted as one of the world's most significant yet obscure arms dealers, with a $5 million bounty on his head by the FBI. His operations primarily involve supplying critical components for Iran’s ballistic missile program, significantly enhancing their military capabilities. The podcast details his involvement in facilitating the supply chain for these components, which include microchips and gyroscopes, essential for missile navigation and performance. Despite being on the radar of various intelligence agencies, Lee has managed to evade capture, raising questions about potential state support or complicity from the Chinese authorities.
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