Australian Federal Police says it has arrested a 59-year-old man for allegedly acting as an economic agent for North Korea with the intent of raising revenue for the Pyongyang government. The suspect identified as Chan Han Choi, is a naturalized Australian citizen originally from South Korea but currently resides in Sydney.
According to CNN report the Police said the man allegedly brokered the sale of missiles, missile components and expertise from North Korea to other international entities, and discussed the supply of weapons of mass destruction. It added that he also planned to transfer coal from North Korea to entities in Vietnam and Indonesia. It however added that Police said there is no evidence that the governments of those two countries were aware of the plan.
These actions according to the authorities contravene UN and Australian sanctions. Recent UN sanctions have targeted everything from seafood exports, foreign labor and joint ventures with North Korea. The arrested man is facing six charges in connection with the acts.
Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Gaughan in his statement said;
"This case is like nothing we have ever seen on Australian soil. This man was a loyal agent of North Korea, who believed he was acting to serve some higher patriotic purpose. I think at the end of the day he would sell whatever he could to make money back for the North Korean government.
This is the first time charges have been laid under the Commonwealth Weapons of Mass Destruction Act in Australia, and the first time we have laid charges specifically for alleged breaches of UN sanctions against North Korea.
The man provided services to a Weapons of Mass Destruction Program and discussed the sale of specialist services and ballistic missile technology, with a view to generating income for the North Korean regime. Those discussions have included the establishment of a ballistic missile production facility, the supply of missile construction plans and the provision of North Korean technical specialists for training and development outside of North Korea.
"He discussed the possible sale of missile guidance systems in an effort to generate further income for North Korea," he added.
Australia is one of the strongest United States allies and its government has voiced support for US policy on North Korea.
