Malaysia scrutinising North Korean front firms operating arms business

Malaysian authorities said they are aware of two front companies allegedly operated by North Korea that are clandestinely dealing in arms. The police vowed to crack down on them and said they are closely monitoring the activities of the firms.

Khalid Abu Baker, the inspector general of police, confirmed the identities of the two companies — International Global System Sdn Bhd and International Global Services Sdn Bhd. The developments were first reported by Reuters on Monday, 27 February.

The police chief said in a statement: "The RMP is constantly monitoring and taking pre-emptive measures to ensure that Malaysia is not being used to carry out any activities that would be detrimental to national security. We have also taken all necessary actions to comply with international regulations with regards to related sanctions."

While one of the companies was registered in 2005, the other one filed its registration in 2012, stating multimedia, electronics and general trading as its nature of business. "Both companies are in the process of being struck-off," added the police chief.

It was earlier reported that a military equipment firm called Glocom had set up its offices in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, allowing North Korean intelligence operatives to trade arms covertly in violation of UN regulations as the isolated country is under heavy international sanctions.

The reports about the two dubious firms emerged against the backdrop of the high-profile killing of Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.