TOKYO, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Il's eldest son is in Macau in an apparent bid to address assets frozen in a Macau bank, Tokyo's news reports said Wednesday.
Kim Jong Nam may also visit a bank in Hong Kong to give an explanation about his account held there, the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper said, quoting diplomatic sources in Hong Kong.
The U.S. Treasury Department blacklisted Macau's Banco Delta Asia, accusing it of aiding North Korea's illegal activities, such as counterfeiting and money laundering, which forced the bank to freeze all of its North Korean assets, worth some $24 million in 50 accounts.
Japan's Kyodo news agency also said Kim's visit is likely intended to ease the financial sanctions on North Korea, citing diplomatic sources.
Kim Jong Nam is one of three sons of the North Korean leader. Analysts say the junior Kim may inherit his father's power.
