TOKYO // The half-brother of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un was in possession of US$120,000 (Dh440,000) when he was killed at a Kuala Lumpur airport in February, Malaysian investigation officials have told a Japanese newspaper.
Kim Jong-nam met an American suspected of connections with a US intelligence agency four days before his death, Asahi Shimbun reported on Sunday.
He is believed to have met the US citizen for two hours at a hotel in Malaysia and picked up the money while in the country, the newspaper said, quoting the Malaysian officials.
The Asahi said Malaysian authorities believe he may have been paid for information, and there was no record of any such withdrawal from banks in the country.
The eldest son of late leader Kim Jong-il was killed at the airport by two women who smeared VX nerve agent on his face, according to Malaysian authorities. South Korean government officials have speculated that Kim Jong-un was behind the murder of his half-brother, a critic of his leadership who had lived outside the country for years.
Malaysian authorities found four bundles of new $100 bills tied together in stacks of 300 in his bag, Asahi said. Kim Jong-nam held a diplomatic passport so his luggage was not subject to thorough searches when entering and leaving the country, it said.
* Bloomberg
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
How to vote in the UAE
1) Download your ballot https://www.fvap.gov/
2) Take it to the US Embassy
3) Deadline is October 15
4) The embassy will ensure all ballots reach the US in time for the November 3 poll
Sreesanth's India bowling career
Tests 27, Wickets 87, Average 37.59, Best 5-40
ODIs 53, Wickets 75, Average 33.44, Best 6-55
T20Is 10, Wickets 7, Average 41.14, Best 2-12
The National photo project
Chris Whiteoak, a photographer at The National, spent months taking some of Jacqui Allan's props around the UAE, positioning them perfectly in front of some of the country's most recognisable landmarks. He placed a pirate on Kite Beach, in front of the Burj Al Arab, the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland at the Burj Khalifa, and brought one of Allan's snails (Freddie, which represents her grandfather) to the Dubai Frame. In Abu Dhabi, a dinosaur went to Al Ain's Jebel Hafeet. And a flamingo was taken all the way to the Hatta Mountains. This special project suitably brings to life the quirky nature of Allan's prop shop (and Allan herself!).
