WASHINGTON: The Biden administration is offering a reward of up to US$5 million for information about a Singapore-based businessman already accused by the Justice Department of facilitating fuel shipments to North Korea in violation of UN sanctions.
Kwek Kee Seng, who owns the Swanseas Port Services shipping company in Singapore, was charged last year with arranging the deliveries, with prosecutors alleging that he used front companies and false documentation to hide the scheme. Officials say that business helps enable North Korea’s nuclear proliferation programmes.
The US government seized a tanker ship that was used for the fuel deliveries, the 2,734-tonne M/T Courageous, prosecutors have said. One exchange caught on satellite imagery showed the ship transferring more than US$1.5 million worth of oil to a North Korea-flagged ship, the prosecutors said.
Kwek, 62, remains at large despite a warrant that has been issued for his arrest.