Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, flaunted a new Mercedes-Benz SUV amidst strict sanctions prohibiting luxury imports, raising questions about the effectiveness of these restrictions. The SUV was spotted exiting his armored train during his visit to flood-hit areas, adding to his collection of premium vehicles, including a Rolls Royce and a Cadillac Escalade. Despite prohibitions on luxury goods meant to curb the country’s nuclear program, Mr. Kim continues to acquire lavish items through various illicit means, with 90 countries serving as sources of these items from 2015 to 2017.
This display of luxury cars contradicts the North Korean government’s stance on foreign influence, which includes crackdowns on K-pop and South Korean films. Even Russian leader Vladimir Putin contributed to Mr. Kim’s collection with gifts of Russian-made Aurus Senat limousines, strengthening ties between their nations. This illustrates the challenges of enforcing sanctions and the persistence of luxury consumption among the elite in isolated countries like North Korea.
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