Recently, North Korea engaged in a smuggling operation where internationally sanctioned minerals were smuggled to China in exchange for a large amount of food imports, as reported by Daily NK. The operation, approved by the government, took place through the Samjang customs facility in Daehongdan County, lasting nearly four hours and involving 10 containers of food items.
Despite UN Security Council Resolution 2371 prohibiting the export of North Korean minerals, the regime plans to continue smuggling minerals to China. This clear violation of international sanctions underscores the increasing sanctions violations in border areas, with the Ministry of State Security already gearing up for future mineral exports to China.
Regime plans to export more minerals to China going forward
The Ministry of State Security’s strategy involves exporting minerals in exchange for essential food items, bypassing typical monetary payment methods. The ongoing illicit trade signifies the regime’s efforts to secure much-needed supplies for public distribution.
Daily NK’s report is sourced from individuals within North Korea, providing crucial insights into the clandestine operations of the regime. For further details on Daily NK’s reporting practices, please refer to the FAQ page.
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