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Print| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 18, 2009 |
CONTACT: Steve Hudak 703-905-3770 |
FinCEN Updated Advisory:
North Korea Government Agencies' and Front Companies' Involvement in
Illicit Financial Activities
VIENNA, Va. - The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) today added an additional North Korean bank to its June 18 guidance to financial institutions regarding the involvement by Democratic People's Republic of Korea ("North Korea") government agencies and front companies in illicit activities. Based on new publicly available information, Kumgang Bank has been added to the list of North Korean banks. This update amends the FinCEN issuance of FIN-2009-A002, on June 18, 2009.
As further described in the guidance, the U.N. Security Council has called for enhanced monitoring of financial transactions, to prevent the financing of North Korea's nuclear, ballistic missile, and other weapons of mass destruction ("WMD")-related programs or activities. The Security Council's action, combined with the potential that North Korea will attempt to evade these financial measures, illustrates the increased risk that North Korea and North Korean entities, as well as individuals acting on their behalf, pose to the international financial system and financial institutions worldwide.
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FinCEN's mission is to enhance U.S. national security, deter and detect criminal activity, and safeguard financial systems from abuse by promoting transparency in the U.S. and international financial systems.