$15 million reward for Chinese smuggling drone technology

The U.S. State Department has announced a reward of up to $15 million for information about Baoxia "Emily" Liu, a Chinese national. She is accused of being involved in a scheme to smuggle U.S. drone technology to Iran. This technology is allegedly linked to Iranian military groups, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Liu and three other Chinese nationals were charged by the U.S. Justice Department in January 2024. They are accused of unlawfully exporting controlled items through China and Hong Kong to help Iran develop weapons, including drones and missiles. The State Department's program aims to disrupt the financial activities of the IRGC. The IRGC has been accused of funding terrorism worldwide, using profits from military equipment sales, including drones. According to the charges, from as early as 2007, Liu and her associates created front companies in China to disguise their activities. They misled U.S. companies by claiming that the technology was intended for China, not Iran. This allowed them to export products meant for military use in violation of U.S. laws. The situation has escalated amidst rising tensions, including U.S. airstrikes against Iranian-backed groups and continued conflicts involving Israel and Hamas. The State Department is focused on holding those involved accountable and preventing further military advancements by Iran.