For an 89-year old prosecutor enforcing local laws in a limited jurisdiction, Robert Morgenthau showed his global reach on Tuesday by cracking down on a Chinese network that allegedly helps supply Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes.

Mr Morgenthau has been Manhattan’s district attorney for almost 35 years, a position that he has used to track down malfeasance around the globe. His jurisdiction has extended well beyond the 13 miles of Manhattan due to its place at the centre of the world’s financial system.