WILLING TON: The company has admitted three breaches of the United Nations sanctions against North Korea when it sent three replacement parts to China, knowing the plane was in North Korea at the time.It now faces a maximum fine of $100,000 per charge.It’s the first time a company has been prosecuted for UN sanctions breaches in New Zealand.
Customs prosecutor Jasper Rhodes told the court the company knew the three replacement parts sent to China were going to be sent on to North Korea.
He said at all times the company was able to track the plane and knew it was in North Korea. It also refused to send staff to fit the parts, citing international sanctions against North Korea.
He said the sanctions were in place to prevent military goods and luxury items being exported to North Korea. Included in the list of luxury items are fountain pens, caviar, and honey.But Mr Rhodes said aircraft and aircraft parts would be at the top of the list. He said the plane, known as XL-199, had an American navigation system on-board. fic Aerospace exported the parts to China.”
Ms Rushbrook said the company co-operated with the United Nations, pleaded guilty at an early point and had since made changes to make sure no further breaches would take place.