A Taiwanese court sentenced Huang Chung-wei, son of a former legislator, to 28 months in prison. Prosecutors proved he illegally supplied thousands of tons of fuel oil to North Korea. Five other defendants also received prison sentences. The court in Kaohsiung found them guilty of loading fuel in Taiwan and transferring it at sea. They collaborated with Singaporean businessman Kwek Kee Seng, who remains wanted by the United States and whose location is unknown.
Court Cites Violations of Taiwan’s Laws
The Kaohsiung court ruled the scheme violated Taiwan’s Counter-Terrorism Financing Act and related statutes. Illegal fuel transfers remain one of North Korea’s few options for obtaining energy under strict United Nations sanctions. Those sanctions target Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons and missile programs. Although Taiwan is not a UN member because of Chinese opposition, it pledged to follow all UN rulings on North Korea.
Investigators Uncover International Smuggling Scheme
The case traces back to 2019, when Huang and Kwek allegedly purchased tankers and loaded them with fuel for transfers. North Korea relied on its “shadow fleet” of ships operating without active electronic identification. US intelligence agencies tracked the shipments by satellite and shared information with Kaohsiung investigators. Huang’s father previously served in Taiwan’s legislature with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. Authorities did not disclose Huang’s profits from the scheme, and it remains unclear if he will appeal.
