The Justice Department on Thursday filed charges against more than two dozen Chinese and North Korean individuals in an alleged scheme to divert more than $2.5 billion in illegal funds for North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.
The Justice Department (DOJ) charged 28 North Koreans and five Chinese nationals -- some of whom were executives of North Korea’s state-owned bank, Foreign Trade Bank, which was sanctioned by the U.S.
According to the indictment, obtained by Fox News, the individuals, including bank officials, allegedly set up branches around the world -- including in Thailand, Russia and Kuwait -- and used 250 front companies to process U.S.
One of the bank officials had previously served in North Korea’s primary intelligence bureau?
The indictment charges the individuals with conspiracy, two counts of violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, bank fraud and international money laundering.
The case, which was filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., is believed to be the largest criminal enforcement action ever brought against North Korea.
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