For the first time in history, a North Korean citizen was brought before an American court. He was charged with money laundering to circumvent international sanctions against the DPRK, according to the website of the US Department of Justice.
According to the indictment, between 2013 and 2018, Moon Choi Myung conspired to conduct financial transactions that violated US and UN sanctions against the DPRK, totaling $ 1.5 million. The US authorities also speculate that the man worked for North Korean intelligence.
Moon used a shell company to cover up ties with North Korea. According to the prosecution, she was involved in the supply of “sensitive technology”, agricultural goods and luxury goods, including alcoholic beverages and tobacco to North Korea. On March 22, he appeared before a federal court in the District of Columbia.
Moon was extradited to the United States from Malaysia last week, where he has lived since 2017. The man became the first ever North Korean citizen who was extradited to the United States. Pyongyang responded by severing diplomatic relations with Kuala Lumpur.
