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Ireland’s biggest bookmaker, Paddy Power, reportedly sent North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un baby clothing and Irish whiskey last month.
Paddy Power financed former NBA player Dennis Rodman’s trip to the “Hermit Kingdom”. They have since severed ties with Rodman.
A company statement read: “Here’s what Paddy Power No.2 spokesperson Rory Scott brought to North Korea on his pre Christmas trip as recommended by our protocol advisor - an Irish whiskey set, a traditional baby dress and a handbag.
“The whiskey set consisted of a bottle of Jameson, a decanter and two glasses. I can confirm that we didn’t buy anything else for Dennis to give to Kim.”
Dennis P Halpin, a former U.S. consul to the country, had claimed that the total cost of birthday gifts given to Kim Jong-un was ‘reportedly well over $10,000’ and, as such, could have been in violation of UN sanctions. The firm denies it violated any laws.
UN sanctions against North Korea have been in place since a 2006 nuclear test.
The company also denies it had any knowledge of fine Italian suits and an expensive English Mulberry handbag being sent to Jong-un.
The EU list stipulates that high quality spirits and spirituous beverages, handbags and similar articles and lead crystal glassware” are all banned from export to North Korea.
Paddy Power said: “We are satisfied that we haven’t breached any export control sanctions in relation to this matter. On our pre Christmas visit to North Korea we brought items of modest value as a token gesture as recommended by a North Korean protocol advisor.”
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
