21-12-2023 (SINGAPORE) Singaporean entrepreneur Kwek Kee Seng, who was subject to a US$5 million bounty, now faces charges in Singapore for allegedly illegally exporting gasoil to North Korea. The charges extend to Kwek’s accomplice, Low Eng Yeow Justin, and three associated companies, according to a police news release on Thursday (Dec 21).
The charges revolve around violations of the UN (Sanctions – DPRK) Regulations 2010, which prohibit Singaporeans or individuals in Singapore from selling luxury items to North Korea.
Kwek, accused by the US Justice Department in 2021 of facilitating fuel shipments to Pyongyang against UN sanctions, was the recipient of a US$5 million reward offered by the US State Department on Nov 3, 2022.
Singapore police investigations revealed that Kwek allegedly conspired with five individuals overseas to supply gasoil to North Korea from September to November 2019, utilizing the vessel MT Courageous. Ship-to-ship transfers occurred on six occasions, with the final transaction taking place at North Korea’s Nampo Port.
Approximately 12,260 metric tons of gasoil were supplied during these transactions, leading to Kwek facing seven charges under the United Nations (Sanctions – DPRK) Regulations 2010.
FALSIFICATION OF DOCUMENTS AND FINANCIAL OFFENSES
Apart from the illegal export charges, Kwek is accused of using a company’s bank account under his control to facilitate transactions related to the gasoil offenses. He allegedly transferred funds for gasoil purchases and falsified documents related to the company. Kwek faces charges of falsification of accounts and additional counts under the United Nations (Sanctions – DPRK) Regulations 2010.
In a separate set of charges, Kwek used another company for receiving payment for gasoil supplied to North Korea, resulting in charges under Section 47(3) of the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation and Benefits) Act.
Low, Kwek’s accomplice, also faces charges for conducting nine financial transactions for gasoil purchases, leading to charges against him and his company under the United Nations (Sanctions – DPRK) Regulations 2010.
OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE CHARGES
In a twist of events, Kwek faces two charges related to obstructing the course of justice. He allegedly lied to an investigation officer and disposed of a phone containing evidence linked to the prohibited gasoil supply to North Korea. Additionally, Kwek failed to inform the police about the supply of gasoil by another vessel, MT Viet Tin 01, in February 2019. These actions resulted in charges of obstructing justice and additional counts under the United Nations (Sanctions – DPRK) Regulations 2010.
Each charge under the United Nations Act may carry a maximum sentence of up to 10 years, a fine, or both. Obstruction of justice charges may result in a jail term of up to seven years, a fine, or both. Falsification of accounts charges may lead to a maximum imprisonment term of 10 years, a fine, or both.
The United Nations (Sanctions – DPRK) Regulations 2010, governed by the United Nations Act, aim to enforce sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council on North Korea to curb the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Singapore authorities emphasized their commitment to fulfilling these obligations and taking swift action against any individual or entity violating these laws and regulations.
