New Zealand police have begun interviewing people connected to an Auckland company allegedly involved in selling 35 tonnes of North Korean explosives and anti-aircraft missiles to Iran.
Officers have spoken to a "number of people" connected to SP Trading, a non-trading or "shell" company based in a multi-storeyed building in Queen St, Auckland.
Their investigation was sparked after Thai police seized a cargo plane on December 12 chartered by SP Trading.
When the police boarded the aircraft, they discovered explosives, rocket-propelled grenades and anti-aircraft missiles.
Police spokesman Grant Ogilvie yesterday said police were assisting government agencies to determine the links with any New Zealand-formed company and the munitions seizure.
Of particular interest is SP Trading.
Some people with a connection to the company have been spoken to and the New Zealand police liaison officer in Bangkok is in close contact with Thai police.
"Any requests for assistance from Thai police will be dealt with as a priority by New Zealand police," Mr Ogilvie said.
United States authorities are also investigating because North Korea is banned from exporting any weapons.
If it is proven SP Trading was selling the weapons to Iran, it could be indicted by the US Justice Department.
A spokeswoman yesterday said she knew of the matter but said the department would not be commenting or confirm if an indictment was imminent.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said its inquiries into the matter were ongoing.
The Companies Office lists SP Trading Ltd's director as Lu Zhang and the company was registered in July last year.
Its sole shareholder is Vicam (Auckland) Ltd, and that company's shareholder is GT Group Ltd.
All three are registered to the Queen St address.
There was no-one at the offices yesterday.
