Knowing someone remains alive and knowing someones given location are two separate realities, both completely conceivably true.
There are numerous ways to conclude (even verify to a set date) that someone is/was alive, without being able to pinpoint their location in any actionable sense.
When one understands the region of the world where he is located along with the logistic complexities regarding both Intel and DA Ops, one understands how he has remained alive.
“it started because of equipment purchases that could be duel use....”
I thought it was started based on his sickly appearance at the time