South Korea Seizes Cargo Ship Suspected Of Violating North Korean Sanctions

The South Korean authorities detained a 2,900-ton cargo ship near the Korea Strait on June 20, 2024.

The foreign-flagged vessel was intercepted on suspicion of transporting restricted goods, such as coal and iron ore, violating UN Security Council Sanctions.

The ship, carrying ten crew members, was en route from Russia to China, with a stop in North Korea.

Following its detention, the vessel was directed to an anchorage in Busan on South Korea’s southern coast, where it is currently being held for further investigation.

This marks the second seizure in recent months, demonstrating South Korea’s proactive approach to illegal maritime activities linked to North Korea.

Another 3000-ton cargo ship, the DEYI, was stopped off the southern coast in late March on similar allegations and is currently docked in Busan.

Under international maritime law, South Korea has the authority to intercept vessels suspected of violating UN Sanctions within its territorial waters.

These measures are intended to reduce North Korea’s illegal trade activities, which include the smuggling of restricted materials critical to its weapons programs.

In response to the recent interception, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry stated that the vessel’s violation of UNSC sanctions led to the intervention of relevant government authorities adhering to both international and domestic legal frameworks.

The UN Security Council has imposed comprehensive sanctions on North Korea, focusing on exports such as coal, minerals, and machinery to reduce revenue for the country’s nuclear and missile programs.

North Korea’s ongoing attempts to violate these sanctions have resulted in increased surveillance and enforcement by international maritime authorities.

The identity of the personnel onboard the intercepted vessel was not revealed, but sources revealed that the ship was stateless.

Crew members of the previously seized DEYI, including a Chinese captain and personnel from China and Indonesia, are also currently detained in Busan.

South Korea has previously seized ships involved in North Korean-related illegal activities, claiming instances of ship-to-ship transfers and attempted smuggling.

These occurrences highlight regional activities and continuous attempts to impose sanctions and ensure maritime security in East Asian regions.

South Korean officials are expected to work closely with international partners to ensure the integrity of sanctions and deter illegal trade practices related to North Korea.

The detained ships and their crew are still under South Korean authority, awaiting further legal action and diplomatic consultations.

Reference: The Korea Times

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