The ITF, led by North Korean Ri Yong Son in Vienna, faces scrutiny from Austria for allegedly breaching UN sanctions. While legal efforts to revoke Ri’s work permit have been unfruitful, allegations persist about the ITF facilitating North Korean financial operations. Concerns over North Korea’s collaboration with Russia add urgency to the issue, as Austria’s intelligence capabilities are challenged by resource limitations and historical ties with Pyongyang.
The International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) operates its headquarters in Vienna under the leadership of North Korean Ri Yong Son, claiming over 100,000 members in more than 100 countries. Austria has been attempting since March 2020 to revoke Ri’s work permit due to suspicions of his involvement in violating United Nations sanctions by transferring foreign currency to North Korea. Despite these allegations, a court ruling found insufficient evidence against him, noting his modest income of 5,256 euros per month.
An ITF official maintained that there has been no misconduct, asserting that the federation solely engages in organizing competitions and issuing taekwondo master certificates. However, Jihyun Park, a defector from North Korea, countered these claims, alleging that Ri and his family serve as agents for the regime, facilitating financial operations for Pyongyang. Additionally, Austria has denied visas to other North Korean individuals connected to the ITF amid these issues.
The ITF, founded in 1966 by Choi Hong-Hi, a general who defected to North Korea, lacks recognition from the International Olympic Committee, which honors the rival World Taekwondo. Park emphasized the urgency for Austria to remove the ITF amidst escalating cooperation between North Korea and Russia, particularly concerning military support.
Austria’s intelligence chief highlighted that North Korea remains a critical focus for the nation’s intelligence services, yet experts like Siegfried Beer caution against the country’s limited investigative capabilities, hindered by personnel shortages and language barriers. Despite these challenges, Austria has historically maintained close ties with North Korea, illustrated by past instances of arms transactions and the printing of passports for the regime in Vienna.
The situation surrounding the ITF in Austria raises significant concerns regarding national security and international sanctions compliance. While local courts have ruled in favor of Ri Yong Son’s continued presence, the growing alliance between North Korea and Russia highlights the urgent need for scrutiny and potential action against organizations connected to the North Korean regime. Austria’s intelligence community faces limitations in addressing these complex issues, despite its historical relationship with North Korea.
Original Source: www.wyomingnewsnow.tv
