The Treasury Department on Thursday announced new sanctions on two North Korean nationals who have helped procure equipment for the country’s ballistic missile program.
Choe Chol Min and Choe Un Jong, who are husband and wife, were sanctioned for helping North Korean associates fulfill procurement orders for weapons trading. Both are based in China.
“The DPRK’s ongoing development of its ballistic missile program — even Pyongyang’s recent failed military satellite launch — continues to threaten regional and international security,” Undersecretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson said in a statement. “The United States is committed to targeting the regime’s illicit procurement networks that feed its weapons programs.”
Min works for the Second Academy of Natural Sciences, which helps North Korea research and develop advanced weapons systems.
“SANS uses numerous subordinate organizations and international representatives to procure foreign technology, equipment, materials, and information used in the research and development of advanced weapons systems, including missiles and likely nuclear weapons,” the Treasury Department said.
Jong assigned to the North Korean embassy in Beijing, and has helped coordinate an order with SANS associates for items used in missile production.
Source » upi