OFAC designates Taiwan/Hong Kong shipping network for violating N Korea sanctions

OFAC has listed 2 individuals Huang Wang Ken and Chen Mei Hsiang, and 3 entities, Jui Pang Shipping, Jui Zong Ship Management Co (both Taiwan-based), and Jui Cheng Shipping Company (Hong Kong-based) in response to “illicit ship-to-ship (STS) transfers to circumvent United Nations sanctions that restrict the import of petroleum products”.

They have been designated under Executive Order 13810 for transporting and delivering 1.7m litres of petroleum products on Shang Yuan Bao (now a blocked vessel) to a North Korea flagged vessel Paek Ma (designated under UN sanctions), through a ship-to-ship transfer in international waters between April to May 2018. At the time of the transfer, Huang and the other designated persons, who had ownership and control of the vessel, “falsely reported that the petroleum products were destined for the Philippines”.  Additionally, in June 2018, a further STS transfer of petroleum was carried out between the Shang Yuan Bao and another N Korean vessel, the Myong Ryu 1. See OFAC Notice and Treasury Press Release.