Singapore charges firm, director over flagging of UN-sanctioned ship
What's new: The case centers on PETREL 8, blacklisted in 2017 over banned North Korean cargo; the director faces up to 10 years in prison.
Singapore charged a ship registry company and its 49-year-old director over flag registration services provided to PETREL 8, a vessel sanctioned by the UN Security Council for carrying prohibited cargo from North Korea. David Chong Kwok Yong is accused of helping Niue Ship Registry register the bulk carrier under Niue's flag from May 18, 2022, to Aug. 18, 2022, despite having reasonable grounds to believe it was a designated vessel. The company faces one sanctions charge and Chong is charged with abetting the offense. If convicted, Chong could be jailed for up to 10 years and fined up to S$500,000, while the firm could be fined up to S$1 million. Chong was released on bail and is due back in court next month.