The ITF, led by Ri Yong Son in Vienna, faces expulsion attempts by Austria due to allegations of violating UN sanctions. The organization claims no ties to the North Korean state, but suspicions persist about illicit funding activities. Austria’s investigation into these matters is hindered by a lack of resources and expertise.
The International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), overseen by a North Korean, is discreetly situated on the outskirts of Vienna, Austria. Operating since its founding in 1966, the ITF claims over 100,000 members across more than 100 countries. However, Austrian authorities have attempted for four years to expel Ri Yong Son, suspecting him of violating UN sanctions by allegedly transferring foreign currency to North Korea.
A representative from the ITF has denied any misconduct, asserting to AFP that the organization maintains no connections with the North Korean government. Austria’s attempts to rescind Ri’s work permit, initiated in March 2020, are rooted in concerns that his presence could damage Austria’s international reputation. Despite these efforts, court rulings have found insufficient evidence to prove any illicit financing activities, with Ri earning a modest salary of 5,256 euros per month.
Jihyun Park, a North Korean defector, claims that Ri and his family operate as agents for North Korea, suggesting that they facilitate the transfer of funds to Pyongyang. While Austria has denied a visa to another North Korean intended to join its Vienna office, the ITF continues to operate. Notably, the ITF is not recognized by the International Olympic Committee, which acknowledges its rival, World Taekwondo, established by a South Korean general who defected to North Korea.
Austria’s intelligence services consider North Korea an important focus, especially in light of the country’s close ties with Moscow, supplying troops and munitions in support of the conflict in Ukraine. However, experts suggest that Austria’s capabilities to investigate such activities are limited due to a lack of resources and expertise. Despite this, the country has a history of North Korean diplomatic relations, with past officials revealing substantial clandestine operations and connections to the North Korean regime involving arms and luxury goods.
In summary, the International Taekwon-Do Federation, led by Ri Yong Son in Vienna, faces scrutiny from Austrian authorities over allegations of financial misconduct tied to North Korea. Despite strong denials from ITF representatives, the association’s operations are under investigation amid rising concerns about North Korea’s influence in Europe. Austria’s limited resources further complicate its ability to address potential espionage, as historical ties between the two nations deepen scrutiny of North Korean activities within its borders.
Original Source: www.wyomingnewsnow.tv
