Seoul sanctions Russian individual accused of financing arms to North Korea

June 28 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The South Korean government has announced on Wednesday sanctions against a Russian citizen of Korean descent who is allegedly involved in the illegal financing of North Korea’s weapons programs.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry has indicated that the individual, identified as Choi Chon Gon, founded a company called Hanne Ulaan Lcc in Mongolia with the aim of evading international sanctions and securing financing for Pyongyang.

Choi has also been accused of having supported the financing of the North Korean authorities by establishing a Russian-based company Epsilon through a joint investment company, according to the Yonhap news agency.

“Our government’s unilateral sanctions on Choi… will help raise awareness both at home and abroad to prevent activities that violate sanctions,” said director general for nuclear affairs Lee Jun Il.

An official from the Foreign Ministry has declared on condition of anonymity that the sanctioned man fled to Russia while being investigated in South Korea for an alleged financial crime. After that, he would have obtained Russian citizenship. In addition, he runs other businesses and maintains close ties to the Korean community.