UN “North Korean IT workers earn foreign exchange on behalf of a third country”

Audi Q7, photographed at the Masikryeong ski resort in North Korea last December. Photo source: Interim report of the Panel of experts of the UN Sanctions Committee

North Korea may have succeeded in miniaturizing its nuclear weapons and is working to increase its ballistic missile capabilities, according to an interim report by the UN Security Council’s North Korean Sanctions Committee Panel of Experts (local time). They also noted that they are sending workers abroad to earn foreign exchange and importing luxury items such as high-end foreign cars.

According to the report, North Korea is involved in activities related to the development of nuclear weapons, such as the production of highly enriched uranium, the construction of an experimental light-water reactor and work on a uranium mine, focused on the nuclear facility of Yongbyon. The report said: “North Korea may have developed a miniaturized nuclear weapon that can be mounted on ballistic missiles during the last six nuclear tests. One member state said: “North Korea may pursue further miniaturization (nuclear weapons) to develop infiltration support packages and multiple warhead systems.” This report was prepared based on the self-investigation and evaluation of the expert panel of the North Korean Sanctions Commission and reports from member countries, and was approved by 15 members of the Security Council.

Diplomatic officials explained that it was “similar to the assessment of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).” The criticism that North Korea’s nuclear activities continue is said to be an “assessment of member countries”, but in fact it means that specialized organizations like the IAEA agree.

Regarding the enhancement of North Korea’s ballistic missile capabilities, the report explains: “We are accelerating to upgrade ballistic missiles launched in 2019 in operational weapons systems and to strengthen ballistic missile bases and related industrial infrastructure. “. The report also noted that North Korea’s military industry will send information technology (IT) workers abroad and make money by stealing the nationality of third-country people. “The typical North Korean IT staff of 10 to 20 people earn more than $ 100,000 a month in China. North Korea’s 16 IT workers sent to China’s Yanji Technology Development Zone made $ 1 million last year. “North Korea earned foreign exchange running a private hospital after sending medical personnel to African countries like Mozambique. and Angola for medical cooperation. Due to sanctions against North Korea, North Korean footballers have also suspended their league activities abroad. ‘North Korean Ronaldo’ Han Kwang-seong, who was active in Italy, has moved to Qatar in January, but was recently released from his team. Choi Sung-hyuk and Park Kwang-ryong, who played in Italy and Austria respectively, are also known to have been released.

Furthermore, it was revealed that despite the United Nations banning North Korea from importing luxury goods, foreign cars and luxury spirits were circulating in North Korea. The Audi Q7, which was photographed at the Masikryeong ski resort in December last year, had a Pyongyang license plate. The report noted that it was “a vehicle prepared for very important personnel.” North Korea also tried to import Mercedes-Benz S-Class limousines through third-country companies, according to the report.

Sehyeong Lee [email protected] Go to reporter’s page>Reporter Kijae Han