Companies behind North Korean spy operation getting removed from register

KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian companies behind an operation run by a North Korean intelligence agency here that sold military radio equipment are being struck off from the companies’ register, police said on Tuesday (Feb 28).

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Khalid Abu Bakar cited International Global System and International Golden Services Sdn Bhd, which were named in a Reuters report on Monday as two companies controlled by North Korean shareholders and directors that registered Glocom’s website in 2009, the front company allegedly run by North Korean intelligence agents in Brickfields here.

“The RMP (Royal Malaysia Police) is constantly monitoring and taking preemptive measures to ensure that Malaysia is not being used to carry out any activities that would be detrimental to national security.

“We have also taken all necessary actions to comply with international regulations with regards to related sanctions,” Mr Khalid said in a statement.

According to Mr Khalid, International Global System was registered in 2005 and its nature of business was stated as multimedia and electronics and general trading, while International Golden Services was registered in 2012 and its nature of business was stated as information technology and telecommunication technology products, as well as solutions providers.

The striking-off process is a process in which the companies’ registrar strikes the name of a defunct company off the register if the registrar believes that the company is not in operation, among other reasons.

Reuters cited on Monday a UN report that said the North Korean military communications equipment was in violation of UN sanctions.

International newswire AFP reported on Tuesday that the UN Security Council, backed by China who is Pyongyang’s only ally, has unanimously condemned North Korea for attempting to evade sanctions by using middlemen and front companies abroad, such as the Malaysia-based company Glocom.

According to the UN report, Glocom sold North Korean-made military communications equipment to Eritrea and had suppliers in China and a Singaporean office.

Reuters reported that Glocom’s Malaysian website was taken down late last year and that its office in Kuala Lumpur appeared to be closed.

The report came amid tensions between North Korea and Malaysia over the recent murder of North Korea dictator Kim Jong-un’s brother, Jong-nam, at an airport here. MALAY MAIL ONLINE