Taiwanese Man Sentenced for Illegally Supplying Fuel to North Korea

In Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan, a former Taiwanese legislator's son has been sentenced to over two years in prison. The sentence stems from a scheme involving the illegal supply of thousands of tons of fuel oil to North Korea. The district court handed down a 28-month prison term to Huang Chung-wei, along with prison sentences for five other individuals.

The convictions relate to the loading of fuel onto ships in Taiwan and subsequent transfers. These operations were conducted in collaboration with Kwek Kee Seng, a Singaporean businessman currently sought by the United States. The court determined that these actions violated Taiwan’s Counter-Terrorism Financing Act and other relevant laws.

The illicit transfer of fuel at sea is a significant method by which North Korea circumvents international sanctions. These sanctions, imposed by the United Nations, target North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile programs. Despite not being a UN member, Taiwan has committed to adhering to the organization's rulings regarding Pyongyang.

The case against Huang originated in 2019, when he and Kwek allegedly acquired a fleet of tankers. These tankers were then loaded with fuel and used to facilitate the transfers. U.S. intelligence agencies tracked the transfers via satellite and provided the information to investigators in Kaohsiung. Huang's father previously served in Taiwan's legislature as a member of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. The financial details of Huang's involvement and his plans to appeal the sentence remain undisclosed.