Investigation of Taiwanese citizens accused of aiding North Korean fuel procurement

TAIPEI, Oct. 9 (CNA) A Taiwanese man has been named as one of several people and companies recently sanctioned by the United States for allegedly aiding North Korea in fuel procurement in violation of United Nations sanctions. Under investigation by the Ministry of Justice.

The ministry said on Saturday it was reviewing the evidence to decide whether to impose targeted financial sanctions on Chen Shihwan for allegedly violating the Counterterrorism Financing Law.

The U.S. State Department said it has sanctioned two individuals and three organizations suspected of being involved in shipping refined oil to North Korea. Acronym for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the official name of North Korea.

The sanctions targeted two companies registered in Singapore and a company registered in the Marshall Islands, as well as Chen and Kwek Kee Seng in Singapore, the ministry said in an Oct. 7 press release.

“By designating these groups and individuals, the United States sends a clear message that it will continue to take action against those who support the development and maintenance of North Korea’s military and arsenal,” said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Brinken. I am sending it,” he said.

According to the U.S. Treasury Department, the sanctions prohibit companies and individuals from engaging in financial transactions in or with U.S. entities because they are involved in owning or controlling vessels that have participated in multiple deliveries of refined petroleum. is restricted. to North Korea.

The delivery violates UN Security Council resolutions banning ship-to-ship transfers with North Korean vessels and restricting imports of the country’s refined petroleum, according to the State Department.

The US sanctions came amid an escalating series of missile tests by North Korea. North Korea has launched 41 of her ballistic missiles so far this year, including her provocative intermediate-range ballistic missile launch over Japan on October 4. ing.