British American Tobacco Accused of Funding North Korea's Terrorism via Secretive Cigarette Venture
Hundreds of US military personnel, civilians, and their families have joined forces to file a lawsuit against British American Tobacco (BAT), one of the world's largest tobacco companies, alleging that it played a significant role in funding North Korea's terrorist activities.
In 2001, BAT formed a joint venture with a North Korean company to manufacture cigarettes in the country. Despite US government warnings and sanctions on North Korea for funding terrorism, the venture continued secretly, generating approximately $418 million in banking transactions. This revenue was allegedly used to advance North Korea's weapons program.
The lawsuit claims that BAT should be held liable for damages as it knowingly profited from a scheme that enabled North Korean terrorist attacks against Americans. The company allegedly failed to take adequate measures to prevent the illicit cigarette trade, despite being aware of the risks and potential consequences.
BAT has acknowledged its past misconduct, entering into a deferred prosecution agreement and agreeing to pay $629 million in fines for conspiring to violate sanctions and bank fraud. However, the lawsuit seeks additional compensation under a federal law that allows victims of terrorist attacks to sue not only the organization responsible for damages but also any third parties that aided or conspired to assist in an act of terrorism.
The plaintiffs argue that BAT's clandestine scheme in North Korea was directly linked to the development of weapons of mass destruction, which were used in deadly attacks on US military personnel and civilians. The lawsuit also claims that profits from the cigarette venture were used to fund terrorist activities by Iran's revolutionary guard and Hezbollah.
As the case unfolds, it raises questions about corporate accountability and the extent to which companies can be held liable for supporting terrorism. With hundreds of plaintiffs involved, this lawsuit may mark a significant shift in how US courts approach liability for complicity in terrorist acts.
Hundreds of US military personnel, civilians, and their families have joined forces to file a lawsuit against British American Tobacco (BAT), one of the world's largest tobacco companies, alleging that it played a significant role in funding North Korea's terrorist activities.
In 2001, BAT formed a joint venture with a North Korean company to manufacture cigarettes in the country. Despite US government warnings and sanctions on North Korea for funding terrorism, the venture continued secretly, generating approximately $418 million in banking transactions. This revenue was allegedly used to advance North Korea's weapons program.
The lawsuit claims that BAT should be held liable for damages as it knowingly profited from a scheme that enabled North Korean terrorist attacks against Americans. The company allegedly failed to take adequate measures to prevent the illicit cigarette trade, despite being aware of the risks and potential consequences.
BAT has acknowledged its past misconduct, entering into a deferred prosecution agreement and agreeing to pay $629 million in fines for conspiring to violate sanctions and bank fraud. However, the lawsuit seeks additional compensation under a federal law that allows victims of terrorist attacks to sue not only the organization responsible for damages but also any third parties that aided or conspired to assist in an act of terrorism.
The plaintiffs argue that BAT's clandestine scheme in North Korea was directly linked to the development of weapons of mass destruction, which were used in deadly attacks on US military personnel and civilians. The lawsuit also claims that profits from the cigarette venture were used to fund terrorist activities by Iran's revolutionary guard and Hezbollah.
As the case unfolds, it raises questions about corporate accountability and the extent to which companies can be held liable for supporting terrorism. With hundreds of plaintiffs involved, this lawsuit may mark a significant shift in how US courts approach liability for complicity in terrorist acts.
meanwhile, i'm over here thinking if this lawsuit succeeds, it could set a major precedent for holding corps accountable for their actions. btw, have u heard about the environmental impact of cigarette manufacturing? 
This is just unbelievable. I mean, think about it, a company that's profiting from cigarettes in North Korea is basically funding their nuclear program and terrorist activities. It's crazy to me that they knew this and still went ahead with it. The fact that they've already paid $629 million in fines doesn't seem like enough considering all the harm caused.
I'm low-key shocked that no one's saying anything about BAT's sneaky cigarette venture with North Korea... Like, what kinda company does that? 
It's a huge deal that there are hundreds of US military personnel, civilians, and their families joining forces to file this lawsuit. I hope they get some serious justice for the harm caused by BAT's actions.
The lack of accountability from corporations is staggering. Can't we hold them accountable for putting lives at risk? 
This case has major implications, not just for BAT but for all companies that think they can operate outside the law.
They need to be held responsible for their actions, not just slapping them with a slap on the wrist and calling it a day. 
This is wild, right? I mean, who knew that British American Tobacco was secretly making cigarettes in North Korea while the US government was trying to stop them from supporting terrorism? It's like something out of a spy novel. And now hundreds of people are teaming up to take down BAT for their role in it all? That's some serious corporate accountability right there 
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. It's like they think they're above the law or something. And to be fair, $418 million is a pretty penny 
). But what I am saying is that we need to have a more nuanced conversation about corporate accountability and how we hold companies like BAT responsible for their actions. It's not just a matter of slapping them with fines and calling it a day 
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. This is just another example of corporate power and greed trumping human lives. Mark my words, this is going to be a long and complicated case, but someone needs to hold these corporations accountable 
. On one hand, it's good that people are coming forward to seek justice, but on the other hand, I'm not sure how much of a dent this lawsuit will actually make in terms of holding companies like BAT responsible for their actions 
. but seriously, $418 million in banking transactions? that's some serious cash 
The fact that they profited from a scheme that enabled attacks on US military personnel and civilians is just mind-blowing. Like, how can we trust companies to do the right thing when they know they're putting profits over people's lives? 
And now they're just casually saying "oops, we might have helped fund some bad stuff" and paying a measly fine of $629 million. Like, that's not enough to make up for the lives lost, fam! 
. The plaintiffs have some strong arguments about corporate accountability and liability for complicity in terrorist acts, which could potentially set a new precedent. If they win, it'll be a major victory for victims of terrorism and their families 
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I'm kinda shocked that a big tobacco company like BAT would get away with funding North Korea's terrorism all these years... like, what kind of priorities do you need to have to ignore sanctions and profits over human lives? 
I'm hoping the court sees through all that and holds them accountable.