His actions contravened both United Nations and Australian sanctions against North Korea, police said. "North Korea is a dangerous, reckless, criminal regime threatening the peace of the region," Turnbull said. Despite international sanctions, cash-strapped North Korea last month test-fired its most powerful missile that may be able to target the U.S. mainland. Choi is facing six charges related to brokering the sale of missile componentry and expertise from North Korea to other international entities, and attempting to transfer coal from North Korea to entities in Indonesia and Vietnam. "The AFP are saying this man was a loyal agent of North Korea, believing he was acting to serve some high patriotic purpose," Gaughan said.

Source: ABC News December 17, 2017 01:13 UTC