Dennis Rodman 'investigated' for 'violating sanctions' against North Korea with 'gifts' for Kim Jong-un

Controversial American basketball legend Dennis Rodman is reportedly being investigated by the US Treasury Department over suspicions that he violated sanctions against North Korea by spending thousands of dollars in luxury gifts for Kim Jong-un.

On his fourth trip to Pyongyang, the former NBA player allegedly gifted the North Korean chief with expensive presents to celebrate his 31st birthday, which included Irish Jameson whiskey, a fur coat, an Italian suit, several bottles of Rodman's 'Bad Ass Premium Vodka' brand and a Mulberry handbag for Kim's wife, Ri Sol-ju.

According to The Independent, a US official said that the Treasury Department is investigating whether Rodman violated US sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act signed by President Barack Obama in 2010, which makes it illegal for US citizens to 'import, export, or re-export' luxury goods to or into North Korea.

The official further said that the regulations require a licence for the export or re-export to North Korea of all US-origin items except food and certain medicines.

The report mentioned that Rodman's gifts also appear to violate UN sanctions imposed on North Korea prohibiting 'the provision of luxury goods' adopted in 2007, which were reinforced after the country conducted its third nuclear test in February 2013.

Rodman attended Kim's birthday celebrations earlier this month accompanied by a team of former NBA players to play friendly game against the communist state to honour the dictator, the report added.