US Files for $11Mln From Firms Engaged With Sanctioned N Korean Entities

The United States has brought two complaints totaling up to $11 million against international companies that have participated in alleged money laundering schemes on behalf of North Korea, the US Department of Justice said in a press release on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The complaints allege that despite the current sanctions against Pyongyang, the companies have been allegedly assisting North Korea by providing support to the county's military and arms development program.

"The United States filed two complaints today seeking imposition of a civil money laundering penalty and to civilly forfeit more than $11 million from companies that allegedly acted as financial facilitators for North Korea," the release stated.

The US authorities announced they have filed litigations against Velmur Management Pte Ltd., a Singapore-based company, and Dandong Chengtai Trading Co. Ltd., a Chinese firm. The first action seeks $6,999,925 and the second one $4,083,935, according to the release.

The announcement comes the same day the US Treasury expanded sanctions on North Korea and added 5 Chinese and 1 Russian company to the list.

Tensions around Pyongyang's missile program have flared up in recent weeks, following the adoption of the UN Security Council sanctions, which led to North Korea trading threats and warnings with the United States. Most notably, Pyongyang said it might consider an attack on the area near the US territory of Guam in the Western Pacific.