BLUE LANTERN RESPONSE ON PRE-LICENSE END-USE CHECK

UNCLAS KUALA LUMPUR 000823 SIPDIS PM/DTCC - BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC KOMC MY SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN RESPONSE ON PRE-LICENSE END-USE CHECK ON LICENSE 050183769 REF: SECSTATE 85772 ¶1. Pursuant to reftel inquiry, Econoff in late September 2009 contacted IGTEC, a Malaysian-based company that is purportedly attempting to procure accessories and components for the aircraft within the inventory of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). Reftel described the proposed deal as miscellaneous parts worth an approximately one million USD. Econoff called IGTEC's office on multiple occasions during mid- and late September, and the office did not have anyone present, nor any type of answering service. Econoff finally reached two individuals (a female secretary and an unidentified male individual) within the company; unfortunately, the company could not provide specifics on the proposed purchase (such as final customer),nor would the company allow a site visit. Without a site visit, Econoff was unable to ask reftel questions needed for Post approval of the proposed deal. The company was warned by Econoff that without cooperation and a site visit, Post would return a negative assessment to Washington, DC. This was not a translation issue - this was unusual behavior on the part of IGTEC employees. ¶2. Separately, Econoff calls to an RMAF procurement office were answered but the officer in question (RMAF Major Shafik) could not confirm a proposed purchase or contact with IGTEC. ¶3. In addition, Post internet checks could not find anything related to IGTEC, such as an official website. ¶4. Post assessment is that IGTEC was not cooperative in our inquiries, and that the behavior of the individuals on the phone was very evasive. Post cannot confirm that the proposed pre-license check is valid, or that the RMAF is the final customer. RAPSON