The Merchant of Missiles: Li Fangwei’s Secret War

The Merchant of Missiles: Li Fangwei's Secret War is a gripping exposé into one of the most elusive and dangerous figures in modern arms proliferation. At the heart of this story is Li Fangwei, also known as Karl Lee—a Chinese businessman turned international fugitive who supplied Iran with critical missile components, all while weaving a complex web of deceit that confounded some of the world's most powerful governments. Operating from the shadows, Li evaded dozens of sanctions and built an empire through front companies, secret transactions, and high-level protection. Despite an FBI bounty of $5 million and years of international pursuit, he managed to stay one step ahead, highlighting the failures of global enforcement mechanisms and the vulnerabilities of international trade. This book delves into Li's origins in Heilongjiang Province, his rise as the head of LIMMT, and the calculated moves that enabled him to become the go-to supplier for Iran's growing missile program. Through detailed research, insider intelligence, and declassified material, readers are taken on a journey through global supply chains, corporate camouflage, and geopolitical manipulation. The narrative uncovers how advanced materials, engineering precision, and financial trickery all played a role in shaping one of the most dangerous illegal networks of the 21st century. More than a biography, The Merchant of Missiles is a case study in modern proliferation, where economic ambitions clash with international law, and rogue actors exploit every loophole available. It explores the broader implications for international security, U.S.-China relations, and Middle Eastern military power balances. Was Li merely a resourceful rogue or a protected state asset? Why did Beijing never bring him to justice? And what does his case tell us about the future of international arms control? An essential read for those interested in global security, intelligence operations, sanctions evasion, and the dark arts of international trade.