South Korea is looking into nine possible cases of local firms importing North Korean coal... after reports that it was brought in via Russia last October.
It found to be true, that would be a violation of UN sanctions.
According to an official from the Korea Customs Service, the investigation is in its final stage, but there are delays because the suspects are refusing to answer questions, and it's hard to determine the true origin of coal imported as a product from Russia.
The official added that search warrants are being issued and trade records are being analyzed to see whether the shipment is in fact from the North.
A diplomatic source also reiterated... South Korea is faithfully implementing sanctions,... and Washington has not raised any concerns about the matter.