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South Africa Expels N. Korean Diplomat For Rhino Horn Trading

South Africa Expels N. Korean Diplomat For Rhino Horn Trading

From BBC.

A North Korean diplomat has been expelled from South Africa for illegal rhino horn trading, according to a spokesman for South Africa’s Department of International Relations.

The diplomat was arrested in neighboring Mozambique in May. Local media identified him as Park Chol-jun.

North Korean embassy officials said he was sent home Dec. 11.

Rhino horn trading

Rhino horn is highly prized on the Asian black market, where it is believed to have medicinal properties.

South Africa’s News24 reported that the man was driving a car with South African diplomatic registration, containing 4.5 kg (nearly 10 pounds) of rhino horn and $99,300 in cash, at the time of his arrest.

News24 said police in Mozambique released him on $30,000 bail before letting him return to South Africa. He was given a month to leave South Africa in November, they said.

Several Vietnamese diplomats have also been caught buying, smuggling or receiving rhino horn in South Africa in recent years.

Read more at BBC.