US, South Korea Sanction People, Entities Aiding North Korea

The Office of Foreign Assets Control this week sanctioned six people and two entities based in Russia, China and the United Arab Emirates for helping to generate revenue or process financial transactions for North Korea.

The designations target several people with “overseas posts” in China and Russia, where they “coordinate payments” for the North Korean government, OFAC said. They include Yu Pu Ung, Ri Tong Hyok, Han Chol Man, O In Chun and Jong Song Ho.

The agency also sanctioned Russia-based Limited Liability Company Alis, a “subordinate” of U.S-designated Chinyong Information Technology Cooperation Company, which has ties to the North Korean military. OFAC also sanctioned Pioneer Bencont Star Real Estate, another Chinyong subordinate, and its owner Jon Yon Gun.

OFAC said the measures were coordinated with South Korea, which sanctioned six of the same people and entities “for their involvement in illicit financing and revenue generation through overseas” North Korean information technology workers.