Singaporean wanted by FBI jailed 2.5 years over DPRK gasoil shipment

Singaporean Kwek Kee Seng, who had a USD 5 million bounty offered by the US government on his whereabouts, was sentenced to 30 months’ jail and fined SGD 80,000 for his involvement in the shipment of gasoil, a prohibited export item, to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

According to The Straits Times on Tuesday (7 April), Kwek pleaded guilty to three counts of flouting UN sanctions, one count for receiving the criminal benefits and another for obstructing the course of justice. 

Kwek was involved in a 2019 scheme to supply more than 12,000 metric tonnes (mt) of gas oil to North Korea, despite knowing such transactions were prohibited under international sanctions. In total, the fuel shipments were worth about USD 6.9 million.

The court heard that Kwek played a key role, helping Taiwanese parties arrange vessels, source the oil supplier and coordinate ship-to-ship transfers. He also relayed instructions to ship captains and reviewed reports prepared by them, all while operating remotely.

He used his companies, including Swanseas Port Services and Anfasar Trading, to facilitate payments and logistics linked to the operation. 

The scheme eventually drew international attention with the FBI offering a USD 5 million reward for information on Kwek in 2021. 

In sentencing, the court said Kwek played a “significant” coordinating role, linking multiple parties involved in the illicit network, even though he was not the mastermind.

Related: US government offers USD 5 million reward for Singaporean over DPRK petroleum dealings
Related: Singaporean, accomplice and three related firms charged over DPRK gasoil shipment
Related: OFAC adds Singaporean, local firms in sanctions list over DPRK petroleum dealings

Photo credit: U.S. Department of State
Published: 9 April, 2026