The bizarre friendship between former NBA star Dennis Rodman and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un may land the ex-baller in legal trouble. During Rodman’s latest trip to Pyongyang earlier this month, Rodman supposedly brought a wide variety of gifts to help Kim celebrate the dictator’s 31st birthday.
However, those gifts – which included a great deal of Jameson whiskey, European crystal, several expensive fashion items, and bottles of Rodman’s own liquor brand “Bad Ass Vodka” estimated to be worth over $10,000 – appear to run afoul of several UN Security Resolutions. More importantly, Rodman’s actions may violate Executive Order 13551 – an order signed by President Obama which makes it illegal for any U.S. citizen “to have, directly or indirectly, imported, exported, or reexported luxury goods to or into North Korea.”
Individuals can apply for an export license to transport specific ‘luxury’ goods into North Korea; however, applicants for these licenses must meet strict criteria, and certain ‘luxury’ goods will never qualify for an expert license under federal law. When reached for comment, Eugene Cottilli, a spokesman for the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security, stated “[We] are aware of the media allegations that Dennis Rodman may have transported luxury goods to North Korea … [however,] We do not comment on possible or pending investigations.”
If convicted of violating the regulation, Rodman could face an array of legal penalties. Civilly, Rodman could be liable to the tune of up to $250,000, or twice the value of the export transaction. If convicted criminally Rodman could be fined $1,000,000 and would face up to 20 years in prison.
Darren Prince, Rodman’s agent, issued a statement last month indicating that the troubled star had checked himself into a New Jersey rehab center for treatment for alcohol abuse. Prince noted, “Dennis Rodman came back from North Korea in pretty rough shape emotionally. The pressure that was put on him to be a combination ‘super human’ political figure and ‘fixer.’
Still, Rodman’s personal issues would not excuse his actions. Former State Department liaison for North Korea David Asher commented, “The sanctions law is very clear about luxury goods . . . . It does look to me that there is a potential violation here and if true, it’s a sanctionable offense.”