Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson
The United States is today imposing sanctions on two individuals and one entity that have engaged in revenue generation activities that support the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs. We are taking this action in close coordination with the Republic of Korea and Japan.
This action is in response to the DPRK’s failed launch of a reconnaissance satellite on August 23 – the DPRK’s second failed attempt this year – that used ballistic missile technology in clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions. We will continue to coordinate with our allies and partners to combat the DPRK’s destabilizing activities.
The Department of the Treasury’s designations were taken pursuant to Executive Order 13687 (“Imposing Additional Sanctions with Respect to North Korea”). Treasury designated Jon Jin Yong for being an official of the Workers’ Party of Korea; Sergey Mikhaylovich Kozlov for materially assisting, sponsoring, or providing financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Jon Jin Yong; and Intellekt LLC for being owned or controlled by Sergey Mikhaylovich Kozlov. Jon Jin Yong coordinated a Moscow-based construction project between Intellekt LLC and a Second Academy of Natural Sciences (SANS) cover company. SANS is already designated by the Department of State and the UN for having engaged, or attempted to engage, in activities or transactions that have materially contributed to the proliferation of WMD or their means of delivery. SANS uses numerous subordinate organizations and international representatives to procure foreign technology, equipment, materials, and information used in the research and development of advanced weapons systems.
