Smuggling of used vehicles has emerged in Hyesan, Yanggang Province, prompting North Korea’s Ministry of State Security to launch an inspection.
The Ministry of State Security in North Korea initiated an inspection due to reports of used vehicles being smuggled without the required state approval from China to Hyesan. Trading companies in Hyesan were found to be illegally smuggling in used cars without the necessary trade permit, known as a “waku,” to avoid the high permit cost.
According to a source, powerful officials in Hyesan may face consequences as the trading companies involved in illegal smuggling received money from wealthy individuals. This money was used for bribery, company expenses, or personal use by officials.
The Ministry’s inspection team is currently checking vehicles in various locations in Hyesan to identify those illegally imported. As a result, trading companies and individuals involved in smuggling are taking measures to hide vehicles to avoid detection.
The source mentioned the possibility of significant changes in powerful agency officials and trading company officials in Hyesan due to the ongoing inspection and the gravity of illegal smuggling activities.
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Read article in Korean.