Australian police force accidentally shares plan to arrest 'North Korean agent' on social media
Live stream reveals details about operation and timing of raid days before it took place
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Your support makes all the difference.Australia’s Federal Police says it accidentally live streamed plans to arrest a suspected North Korean agent while testing a new piece of equipment.
Details of the plans were broadcast to those following the agency’s Twitter account last week just days before the arrest was made.
The Periscope live stream released details about the operation and the timing of the arrest. And at one point, an officer could reportedly be heard saying that they were not “going in all guns blazing, it’s only half-a-dozen people and a forensic van.”
A spokesperson from the Australian Federal Police confirmed that an investigation was being launched to “ensure such incidents will not happen again.”
The discussion between the media team was broadcast last Wednesday, four days ahead of the arrest. It even included a brief discussion on getting the Prime Minister to make a statement on the case.
Chan Han Choi was arrested in Sydney on Sunday and charged with brokering missile deals with the North Korean regime.
According to The West Australian, which captured a recording of the live stream, it was quickly deleted. However it is thought that some 40 people did manage to hear the stream before it was erased.
A spokesman from Australia’s Federal Police told Australia’s Associated Press that the case had been referred for review.
They added: “The incident occurred when testing a piece of social media broadcasting equipment.
“Steps have been taken to ensure such incidents will not occur again.”
According to police, Mr Chan, a naturalised Australian citizen of Korean descent, had been in touch with high ranking officials in the North Korean regime.
Assistant commissioner Neil Gaughan said: “This man was a loyal agent of North Korea, who believed he was acting to serve some higher patriotic purpose. This case is like nothing we have ever seen on Australian soil.”
Mr Chan faces six charges, two under an act of preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, two for contravening a UN sanction law and two for contravening Australia’s own sanctions law.
If he is convicted, he faces up to 18 years in jail.
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