US Military Personnel Sue British American Tobacco for Role in Funding Terrorism
Hundreds of US military service members, civilians, and their families have filed a lawsuit against British American Tobacco (BAT), alleging that the tobacco giant helped North Korea fund terrorism. The plaintiffs claim that BAT's joint venture with a North Korean company to manufacture cigarettes in the country provided significant revenue used to advance North Korea's weapons program.
The lawsuit argues that BAT knew its money was being used to fund terrorism and continued the operation anyway, despite public warnings from the US government and international pressure. BAT formed a joint venture with a North Korean company in 2001, which quietly continued even as the US government publicly warned of North Korea's funding of terrorism.
According to reports, the venture provided around $418m in banking transactions, generating revenue used to advance North Korea's weapons program. In 2023, BAT entered into a deferred prosecution agreement and agreed to pay the US $629m in fines for conspiring to violate sanctions and bank fraud.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensation under a federal law that allows victims of terrorist attacks to sue not only the organization allegedly responsible for damages but also any third parties who aided and abetted or conspired to assist in an act of terrorism. The lawsuit argues that BAT's clandestine scheme in North Korea and its alleged complicity in funding terrorism should make it liable for damages.
The plaintiffs include service members injured in terrorist attacks in Iraq, including those suffering from traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. The widow and the estate of a man killed while assisting refugees during one of these attacks are also plaintiffs. Several family members who suffered harm from the attacks are included among the plaintiffs as well.
Experts note that this case sets a precedent for holding companies accountable for their role in funding terrorism. In a recent ruling, the US Supreme Court held that victims of a 2017 Islamic State attack were not entitled to damages from social media companies due to insufficient evidence of active complicity in the terrorist act.
The suit against BAT argues that the company knew its money was being used to fund terrorism and continued the venture anyway. It points to numerous public statements, as well as public and private reports, detailing North Korea's support for terrorism and BAT's awareness of these risks.
Hundreds of US military service members, civilians, and their families have filed a lawsuit against British American Tobacco (BAT), alleging that the tobacco giant helped North Korea fund terrorism. The plaintiffs claim that BAT's joint venture with a North Korean company to manufacture cigarettes in the country provided significant revenue used to advance North Korea's weapons program.
The lawsuit argues that BAT knew its money was being used to fund terrorism and continued the operation anyway, despite public warnings from the US government and international pressure. BAT formed a joint venture with a North Korean company in 2001, which quietly continued even as the US government publicly warned of North Korea's funding of terrorism.
According to reports, the venture provided around $418m in banking transactions, generating revenue used to advance North Korea's weapons program. In 2023, BAT entered into a deferred prosecution agreement and agreed to pay the US $629m in fines for conspiring to violate sanctions and bank fraud.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensation under a federal law that allows victims of terrorist attacks to sue not only the organization allegedly responsible for damages but also any third parties who aided and abetted or conspired to assist in an act of terrorism. The lawsuit argues that BAT's clandestine scheme in North Korea and its alleged complicity in funding terrorism should make it liable for damages.
The plaintiffs include service members injured in terrorist attacks in Iraq, including those suffering from traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder. The widow and the estate of a man killed while assisting refugees during one of these attacks are also plaintiffs. Several family members who suffered harm from the attacks are included among the plaintiffs as well.
Experts note that this case sets a precedent for holding companies accountable for their role in funding terrorism. In a recent ruling, the US Supreme Court held that victims of a 2017 Islamic State attack were not entitled to damages from social media companies due to insufficient evidence of active complicity in the terrorist act.
The suit against BAT argues that the company knew its money was being used to fund terrorism and continued the venture anyway. It points to numerous public statements, as well as public and private reports, detailing North Korea's support for terrorism and BAT's awareness of these risks.
This lawsuit is like, super wild! I mean, who knew that cigarette sales in North Korea could be used to fund terrorism? 
It's crazy how companies can get involved with shady dealings and still manage to stay out of trouble. The fact that BAT paid $629m in fines for conspiring to violate sanctions and bank fraud is already a huge slap on the wrist, but now they're facing even more severe consequences from the victims' families.
. The fact that service members and civilians who were injured or killed during terrorist attacks are now suing the company is heartbreaking, but it's also a reminder that those responsible need to be held accountable.
It's not like they're asking for a handout or anything, they're literally fighting for justice and compensation.
this is like WHOA!!! I cant even believe that bat is being sued by US military personnel for funding terrorism in north korea 
i mean, what's more important than lives lost to terrorism? 
this lawsuit is like a huge step towards holding companies accountable for their actions 
bat has already agreed to pay $629m in fines, but that's not enough 
this is wild... like bat knows they're funding terror but just goes along with it? 
what's next, is bat going to sue the government for being too strict on sanctions?