South Korean-born Chan Han Choi, who faces charges over missile-related sales, will front court on 28 February

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

A South Korean-born man living in Australia who allegedly acted as an economic agent for North Korea by brokering sales and discussing the supply of software for weapons of mass destruction will remain behind bars for at least two months.

Chan Han Choi, 59, was arrested in suburban Eastwood on Saturday and faces six charges related to brokering the sale of missile components and expertise from North Korea to other international entities; and attempting to transfer coal from North Korea to entities in Indonesia and Vietnam.

Federal police allege he was generating tens of millions of dollars for the rogue nation, contrary to Australian and United Nations sanctions.

Choi appeared via audiovisual link at central local court on Wednesday when his matter was briefly heard and adjourned to 28 February.

Outside court his barrister, Alex Radojev, said he was on his way to meet Choi for the first time.

He declined to comment on whether Choi understands the extent of the “very serious” charges, or how long it will take to prepare his case.

Choi, who has lived in Australia for three decades, is the first person in Australia to be charged with providing services for a weapons of mass destruction program and breaching UN sanctions against North Korea.

The maximum penalty for the offences is 10 years’ imprisonment.

The Australian federal police assistant commissioner Neil Gaughan said on Sunday there had been no risk to the Australian public and that no weapons or missile componentry – which he said was software – had been imported into Australia.

Police accidentally livestream plans for alleged North Korean agent's arrest Read more

He stressed Choi was trying to raise revenue for the North Korean government.

The AFP started investigating Choi after a tip-off from another international agency on another matter.

It’s also launched an internal review after accidentally broadcasting on social media a meeting about Saturday’s planned arrest three days before it happened.

An AFP officer in the video reportedly says they are not planning on “going in all guns blazing, it’s only half-a-dozen people and a forensic van”.

The post was quickly deleted but an AFP spokesman has now confirmed the erroneous broadcast did take place.