US FBI Detains North Korean Businessman Extradited by Malaysia

North Korean Charg? d'Affaires in Malaysia Issuing a Statement Before Embassy Withdrawal [Image Source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Malaysia handed over North Korean national Mun Cheol-myeong to the United States, and AP News reported on the 21st that Mun was detained by U.S. authorities on the 20th (local time). There are concerns that Mun's trial could trigger conflicts between North Korea and the U.S.

Mun was detained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) the previous day. AP reported that Mun is the first North Korean to be extradited to the U.S. for trial.

Earlier, Malaysian authorities transferred Mun to the U.S. on charges of involvement in money laundering and other offenses.

In response, North Korea declared the severance of diplomatic relations with Malaysia. Thirty-three North Korean diplomats and their families also immediately left Malaysia.

The FBI stated that Mun violated sanctions against North Korea by sending luxury goods such as alcohol and watches to North Korea and laundering money through shell companies, requesting his extradition from Malaysia in May 2019.

Mun is accused of violating UN sanctions by supplying prohibited luxury goods to North Korea while in Singapore before moving to Malaysia in 2008.

Mun's lawyer claims that this extradition is "politically motivated" and aims to increase pressure on North Korea regarding its missile program, AP reported.

The North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs also called the charges against Mun "absurd fabrications and complete slander." Furthermore, it warned the U.S., which requested the extradition, that it will pay a price, raising concerns that Mun's case will negatively impact North Korea-U.S. relations in the future.

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