Cablegate: Results of Blue Lantern Check On License 05-974166

VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHGP #3095 2700022
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 270022Z SEP 06
FM AMEMBASSY SINGAPORE
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 1353

UNCLAS SINGAPORE 003095

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR PM/DTTC BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETTC KOMC ETRD SN
SUBJECT: RESULTS OF BLUE LANTERN CHECK ON LICENSE 05-974166

REF: STATE 125494

1. Per reftel, Post conducted inquiries to verify the bona
fides of SF Aviation and confirm MOD's receipt and continued
possession of listed spare parts.

2. SF Aviation is a sole proprietorship that has been
operating in Singapore since January 14, 2005. Singapore's
online business directory, Biznet, lists the company's
principle officer as:

Name: Nam Kwong Wing, aka John Nam
Nationality: Singaporean
ID: S00222871
Address: 850 Woodlands Street 82, #02-219, Singapore, 730850

3. DHS/ICE databases revealed no negative information about
SF Aviation.

4. An MOD representative informed the Embassy via e-mail
that MOD had never dealt with a company called SF Aviation.
The representative said MOD had ordered and received the
parts from a company called Siew Fatt Hardware Engineering,
and noted Siew Fatt is registered at the same address as SF
Aviation. The MOD representative confirmed that reftel
listed spare parts are still in MOD's possession. MOD was
not in a good position to comment on Siew Fatt's standing as
an USML importer because MOD has had only limited dealings
with that company, he said.

5. Econoff on August 20 attempted to visit SF Aviation at
reftel listed address. That address is now occupied by
another business. Econoff then contacted SF Aviation's John
Nam via telephone. Nam explained that the company was
currently in the process of relocating its offices. When
asked, Nam explained that SF Aviation was a subsidiary of
Siew Fatt Hardware Engineering. SF Aviation dealt
exclusively in aerospace products and the Singapore MOD was
its only customer, according to Nam. He said he had
personally been importing USML items for more than 30 years
and had a good understanding of USG restrictions on
re-exporting these items.

6. Nam seemed knowledgeable and was forthcoming when he
answered questions about this transaction. However, Econoff
was unable to ascertain whether SF Aviation or Siew Fatt
Hardware Engineering was an active, legitimate company and a
responsible broker for USML items.
HERBOLD

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