A Singaporean has been charged with providing flag registration services to a UN-designated vessel accused of carrying prohibited cargoes from North Korea, according to maritime news outlet Splash247.
Flag registration charge
According to Splash247, David Chong Kwok Yong, 49, faces one count of abetting Niue Ship Registry in registering the bulk carrier Petrel 8 under the flag of the South Pacific island nation. Splash247 reported that Singapore's Commercial Affairs Department alleges the registration was provided between May 18 and August 18, 2022, despite Chong having reasonable grounds to believe the vessel was involved in transporting prohibited North Korean items.
Chong is listed in Singapore corporate records as a director and managing director of Niue Ship Registry, which was incorporated in 2002, according to Splash247.
UN designation and sanctions context
The UN Security Council designated Petrel 8 in October 2017 under sanctions resolutions targeting Pyongyang's weapons of mass destruction programmes and associated maritime activity, Splash247 reported. The vessel is accused of carrying prohibited cargoes from North Korea.
Splash247 reported that Singapore's sanctions regulations prohibit services being supplied to vessels where there are reasonable grounds to believe they have supported North Korean proliferation activities.
Singapore's sanctions regulations prohibit services being supplied to vessels where there are reasonable grounds to believe they have supported North Korean proliferation activities.
Court proceedings and penalties
Chong did not indicate a plea during Friday's court hearing, according to Splash247. He has been released on bail and is expected to return to court next month. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of as much as S$500,000 ($387,000), or both, Splash247 reported.
Niue Ship Registry is being charged separately over the same alleged registration. The company could face a fine of up to S$1m, according to Splash247.
Key facts at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Accused | David Chong Kwok Yong, 49 |
| Charge | One count of abetting Niue Ship Registry in registering Petrel 8 |
| Vessel | Bulk carrier Petrel 8 |
| Alleged registration period | May 18 – August 18, 2022 |
| UN designation date | October 2017 |
| Maximum individual penalty | 10 years' imprisonment and/or S$500,000 ($387,000) fine |
| Maximum corporate penalty | S$1m fine |
Timeline of events
- October 2017: The UN Security Council designates Petrel 8 under North Korea sanctions resolutions.
- May 18 – August 18, 2022: Singapore's Commercial Affairs Department alleges the flag registration was provided.
- Friday: Chong appears in court, does not indicate a plea, and is released on bail.
- Next month: Chong is expected to return to court.
Corporate liability
According to Splash247, Niue Ship Registry is facing a separate charge over the same alleged registration. The registry was incorporated in 2002, and Chong is recorded as its director and managing director. If convicted, the company could be fined up to S$1m, while the individual defendant faces a possible prison sentence of up to 10 years, a fine of as much as S$500,000 ($387,000), or both.
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