The United States Embassy in Spain informed the National Court this week that it has withdrawn the extradition request against Alejandro Cao de Benós, the president and de facto leader of the Korean Friendship Association and a representative aligned with the North Korean regime in Western circles.
The red notice request for Cao de Benós, who holds both North Korean and Spanish citizenship, has been in motion since 2022. The international arrest warrant was issued in connection with alleged violations of embargoes tied to the regime led by Kim Jong-un and breaches of financial sanctions administered by U.S. authorities.
Following a formal communication from the North American Embassy in Madrid, Judge Ismail Moreno of the National Court has been required to determine the status of Cao de Benós within the judicial process. The court has previously sought clarification, and the National Court Prosecutor’s Office will determine whether the ongoing investigation should be archived.
Cryptocurrencies
The United States has accused Cao de Benós of facilitating support for a cryptocurrency expert who attended a conference in a private Asian setting. This individual, associated with Virgil Griffith, was connected to actions intended to conceal certain activities and the involvement of a Bitcoin specialist who was detained in 2019.
It was stated that Cao de Benós and his associate Christopher Douglas Emms did not receive warrants. American authorities reiterated that the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control is responsible for enforcing laws on dealings with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
On January 27, 2022, a federal court in the Southern District of New York issued an arrest warrant for Cao de Benós on charges related to conspiracy to violate the U.S. International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
“False accusation”
The individual at the center of the case has publicly denied any wrongdoing, stating there is no evidence of hiring or soliciting Virgil Griffith. This denial was echoed in a media statement issued after a court decision led to his release. The decision halts further pursuit in the extradition request. The Totana Instruction Court No. 3 in the Region of Murcia has also taken steps related to Cao de Benós’ passport as part of other proceedings.