Despite stringent international restrictions, North Korea
illegally exported an estimated 1.5 million tons of coal last year,
according to a South Korean lawmaker citing intelligence
assessments, AzerNEWS reports.
Representative Yu Yong-weon, a member of the South Korean
parliament, released a statement based on data from the nation’s
spy agency, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), revealing how
Pyongyang systematically bypasses international law.
“North Korea has continued to export minerals, such as coal and
iron ore, which are completely prohibited under United Nations
Security Council sanctions resolutions,” Representative Yu stated.
“The regime utilizes both North Korean-flagged and foreign-flagged
cargo vessels operating out of China, Russia, and various third
countries, while simultaneously smuggling in refined petroleum
products.”
The lawmaker further disclosed that North Korea’s recent
strategy has involved attempting to boost its export volumes by
intentionally mislabeling its coal shipments as being Russian in
origin to deceive customs officials in China and alternative global
markets.
Beyond mineral exports, the intelligence report highlights a
massive breach of energy caps. Last year, North Korea’s imports of
refined oil from China and Russia reportedly surpassed 3.5 million
barrels—exceeding the strict annual limit of 500,000 barrels
mandated by the UN by more than seven times.
UN Security Council resolutions strictly ban North Korea from
exporting coal, iron ore, and other minerals. These financial
blockades are designed to choke off the primary revenue streams
used by the Kim Jong Un regime to fund its illicit nuclear weapons
and ballistic missile development programs.