Kim Jong Il has taken elaborate measures to escape in the event of a military invasion by forces from the United States and South Korea Photo: PHOTOSHOT

Kim Jong-il, the Supreme Leader of North Korea, has a $4 billion (£2.6 billion) “emergency fund” hidden in secret accounts in European banks that he will use to continue his lavish way of life if he is forced to flee the country.

South Korean intelligence officials told The Daily Telegraph that much of the money was held in Swiss banks until authorities there began to tighten regulations on money laundering.

Mr Kim’s operatives then withdrew the money – in cash, in order not to leave a paper trail – and transferred it to banks in Luxembourg.

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My Comment: So much for sanctions working against this regime.

UN chief ready to visit Pyongyang to restart Korean nuclear talks — RIA Novosti
N. Korean Leader’s China Visit Uncertain — Korea Times
China Mulls Preliminary Meeting for Nuke Talks With North Korea — Global Security Newswire
North Korea hit by Seoul move to end valuable sand imports — Financial Times
Scenarios: How North Korea military moves would raise tension — Reuters
U.S.-North Korea: Stalemate — Council On Foreign Affairs

A helicopter collects kit and equipment from 5 Rifles at FOB Oxford following their last combat operational patrol from their operating base Photo: GETTY

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