Chinese authorities have charged a Shenzhen-listed firm and its chairman over smuggling restricted “dual-use” optical lenses out of the country, reports the South China Morning Post. Lawyers say the case underscores the growing risk of criminal prosecution for export control violations as Beijing tightens restrictions on strategic materials and technologies.
Nanjing Wavelength Opto-Electronic Science & Technology, which manufactures optical components used in infrared thermal imaging, and chairman Huang Shengdi were among five defendants charged with smuggling goods prohibited from import or export. The total value involved in the case was RMB 20.1 million ($3.0 million).
Prosecutors in Shanghai alleged that the company and the individuals exported controlled optical lenses without obtaining the required export licences for dual-use items, which can serve both civilian and military purposes, between August 2023 and April 2025.