THOMAS MANCH

Last updated14:42, August 9 2017

SUPPLIED

Pacific Aerospace chief executive Damian Camp with a P-750, the type of plane spotted at a North Korean airshow in October 2016.

New Zealand Customs has charged a Hamilton-based aircraft manufacturer for the export of aircraft parts to North Korea.

Customs confirmed last week it was investigating Pacific Aerospace for potentially breaching United Nations sanctions after a plane was sighted at a North Korean airshow in September 2016.

On Tuesday, Customs confirmed charges have been laid against the company for three breachesof United Nations sanctions under New Zealand law, and one charge under the Customs and Excise Act 1996.

YOUTUBE

A New Zealand-made Pacific Aerospace P-750 XSTOL was spotted at North Korea's first airshow in October 2016.

The charges relate to the export of aircraft parts, and an alleged "erroneousdeclaration" about parts inside an exported aircraft.

READ MORE: *Kiwi firm investigated after plane ends up in North Korea *How did a New Zealand-built plane end up at a North Korean air show? *Prime Minister Bill English in the dark over raid *Claims of blood on New Zealand's hands need answers

Pacific Aerospace chief executive Damian Camp declined to comment while the company reviewed the charges.

KCNA

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un continues to progress nuclear weapons development, drawing tougher sanctions from UN member states.

Previously, Campexpressed surprise when one of the company's P-750 XSTOL planes was spotted at the WonsanAir Festival in North Korea in September 2016.

A UN Security Council report from February includes a chain of emails that suggest the company knew one its planes was in North Korea, and planned to provide parts and engineering training.

The emails, from January 2016,show Pacific Aerospaceand its Chinese partner were planning to providea replacement flap motor, tools and training to fix a problem with the aircraft.

The direct or indirect supply of aircraft, related parts and aerospace training to North Korea is a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1718.

TOM LEE/STUFF

Hamilton-based Pacific Aerospace is based at Hamilton airport.

The 2006 resolution wasagreed on by UN member statesin response to North Koreatestinga nuclear weapon.

United Nations sanctions against North Korea in 2006,meant acompany which breacheda UN-mandated ban couldbe fined up to $100,000.

A company can be fined up to $5000 for making an erroneousdeclaration under the Customs and Excise Act.

TOM LEE/STUFF

The P-750 XSTOL, called the "Swiss army knife of an aircraft" by its maker, is able to take off on short runways, ascend quickly, and carry heavy loads.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) declined to comment, but in a previous statement said it expects NewZealand companies to abide by the letter and spirit of UN sanctions.

-Stuff

More here:

Customs charges Pacific Aerospace for alleged unlawful exports to North Korea - Waikato Times