North Korea, which is largely isolated globally, imported significantly more goods last year and expanded its trade with its new partner Russia. The total trade volume in 2023 far exceeded that of 2022, “accompanied by the return of a large number of foreign goods, some of which could be classified as luxury items,” according to a confidential report by UN experts that the German Press Agency managed to view in New York.
However, the import of such luxury goods is banned in the authoritarian country. North Korea largely isolated itself in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic; trade came to an almost complete standstill.
In September alone, imports had risen to $1.4 billion (1.3 billion euros) – up from just $911 million in all of 2022, the report said. By far North Korea’s largest trading partner is China. By autumn, trade with Moscow had also grown to a volume of $28 million – although this did not include sanctioned goods. This includes arms deliveries to Russia, which the report also discusses.
North Korea is subject to far-reaching UN sanctions and import bans because of its nuclear program. The report is the first of two annual documents from the expert panel. It was sent to the UN Security Council late last week.
Artillery ammunition delivered to Putin
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited Russia in September and met with President Vladimir Putin. Both decided to expand cooperation in “all areas”, after which cooperation between the two countries was significantly intensified. The White House said in October that North Korea had sent Russia more than a thousand containers of military equipment and ammunition for the war in Ukraine.
The UN report also talks about the containers and possible evidence, citing a senior representative of a “member state”: a satellite photo published by the US government allegedly shows two ships flying the Russian flag and numerous containers from the North Korean port have on board. port city of Rason transported to Dunai in Russia. These were then taken by train to a Russian ammunition depot near the Ukrainian border. The UN experts emphasize that they cannot verify what was in the containers.
More western luxury for the elite
The report also says that sanctioned goods from abroad are increasingly being found in North Korea. In some cities there are department stores that offer Western luxury products. A “significant number of foreign motor vehicles” have also been reported in North Korea: “In November and December, an apparently new Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS 600 SUV and a Maybach S650 sedan driven by Kim Jong Un and high-profile cars were seen. top officials “Designer bags and clothing from, among others, the French brand Dior were also worn by high government officials.
According to the report, a submarine presented in North Korea in September, from which nuclear weapons could theoretically be launched, will not pose a threat to other countries in the near future. It has not yet been tested on the open sea “and its ability to launch a ballistic missile. Launching missiles underwater or above the water’s surface and withstanding them remains hypothetical,” it says.
Hackers bring money for the nuclear program
North Korea continues to develop its nuclear weapons and has produced fissile material – even though its last known nuclear test took place in 2017, the report continues. The huge costs would apparently still be funded by hacker attacks on companies related to cryptocurrencies. A total of 58 cyber attacks are being investigated, with which hackers on behalf of Kim Jong Un are said to have stolen around three billion dollars in recent months.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
