In response to media queries about the United States (US) Department of State's reward offer under the US Rewards for Justice (RFJ) programme for information on a Singaporean, Kwek Kee Seng ("Kwek"), the SPF would like to highlight that Kwek is presently in Singapore. He has been under investigation by the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) for offences under Singapore’s United Nations Act 2001, since 28 April 2021. Kwek’s passport has been impounded by the CAD since the same date.
On 23 April 2021, the US Department of Justice issued a press release announcing that a criminal complaint had been filed against Kwek for allegedly conspiring to evade economic sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) as well as for money laundering, and that a tanker COURAGEOUS (previously known as SEA PRIMA) had been seized. COURAGEOUS was a vessel allegedly purchased by Kwek to make illicit deliveries of petroleum products through ship-to-ship transfers with DPRK vessels, and direct shipments to the DPRK port of Nampo.
Pursuant to this information, on 28 April 2021, the SPF commenced formal investigations against Kwek for possible offences under Section 5 of the United Nations Act 2001. On 29 April 2021, SPF issued a news release confirming that Kwek was being investigated for possible offences under the United Nations Act 2001. On 30 April 2021, the SPF shared information on the investigations against Kwek with the US law enforcement authorities via a letter. On 7 May 2021, this information was formally conveyed by Singapore to various US agencies through a Third-Party Note. Since then, there were several more exchanges. Due to the nature and complexity of the case, investigations are still ongoing.
On 4 November 2022, the SPF wrote to our US counterparts to seek clarification, given that we had been in active communication with our US counterparts on Kwek’s case. Singapore will continue to assist the US authorities within the ambit of our laws and international obligations.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
05 November 2022 @ 9:05 PM