This passage discusses a mysterious and dangerous individual known as Lee Fenway, a Chinese businessman with alleged connections to supplying components for the Iranian ballistic missile program. Despite being wanted for two decades with a significant reward on his head, Lee Fenway has remained elusive. The text delves into the complexity of his activities, which involve trading mundane products like metals and graphite with applications in military and civilian programs. There are hints of potential connections to the Chinese government, and the US government has shown interest in exposing his actions. However, it's suggested that a secret deal in 2019 may have temporarily removed Lee Fenway from the scene. Despite this, his network continues to operate, and there are concerns about his components playing a role in conflicts, like the war in Ukraine.
1. **Lee Fungway**: Described as a dangerous Chinese businessman and principal supplier of the Iranian ballistic missile program.
2. **Five Million Dollar Reward**: There's a five million dollar reward on Lee Fungway's head.
3. **Secretive Weapons Trader**: Lee Fungway is a secretive weapons trader supplying precise and deadly missile components.
4. **Chinese Government's Involvement**: Allegations of Lee Fungway's connections to the Chinese government and protection from Chinese authorities.
5. **International Market**: Iranians purchased powerful and precise gyroscopes internationally due to difficulty caused by international sanctions.
6. **US Involvement**: US interest in Lee Fungway's activities, including efforts to shed light on his operations.
7. **Silence and Secret Deal**: Silence from authorities in 2019, suggesting a secret deal between the US and Chinese governments.
8. **Continued Trade**: Speculation that Lee Fungway's network might continue operating even if he's removed, unless Chinese law enforcement intervenes.
9. **Potential Future Impact**: Concerns about missile parts supplied by Lee Fungway's network being used in conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine.