UN Investigations into 'Violations' of North Korean Sanctions by Several Countries Including Iran

The Associated Press reports that UN experts are conducting investigations into potential violations of North Korean sanctions, ranging from covert purchases of nuclear materials in China to military collaborations with Iran, Sudan, and other countries. The experts' report states that about 20 countries have helped Pyongyang circumvent sanctions and prohibitions in various ways. Iran is one of the countries mentioned. Experts have indicated that an unnamed country has told them that Iran has been 'one of the two main markets' for North Korean 'military collaborations.' They state that both state-owned companies, 'Mining and Development Trading Company' and 'Green Pine,' have offices in Iran, and these offices are 'still operational.' According to an unnamed country, North Korean citizens in Iran have been used as 'money couriers.' Local media monitoring North Korea report that 'Green Pine' is one of the most important North Korean companies and covers many activities of the 'Mining and Development Trading Company.' The 'Mining and Development Trading Company,' also known by its acronym 'Komid,' was placed on the UN sanctions list in 2009. The 'Green Pine' company, along with two other companies in North Korea, was added to the UN sanctions list in 2012. At that time, Reuters reported that these three companies were accused of assisting North Korea's missile tests in April 2012. Pyongyang conducted a long-range missile test in April 2012 that was unsuccessful. It is reported that the 'Mining and Development Trading Company' is one of the most important state-owned companies in North Korea involved in arms trade and the export of ballistic missile-related equipment. The UN website states that this company has supported and been involved in the development of North Korea's weapons of mass destruction and nuclear programs. According to the Associated Press, the Iranian government, in response to UN experts' inquiries, stated that the only individuals from North Korea present in Iran are diplomats, and they have not violated UN international sanctions. China, Syria, Yemen, Libya, and Sudan are other countries mentioned in the experts' report as involved in circumventing or assisting in the violation of sanctions against Pyongyang or as locations for the sale of North Korean weapons. The 66-page report presented to the UN Security Council, which the Associated Press has seen, also includes details about the purchase of luxury and expensive cars by North Korean officials, contrary to existing prohibitions. Experts have also pointed to the process of circumventing financial sanctions 'using cyberattacks'; these attacks aim to 'force financial institutions to conduct transactions and exchanges of money and virtual currency.' They have also stated that key North Korean facilities, such as 'Yangbyon,' remain active, and a 'clear trend' has been observed from Pyongyang to 'disperse arsenals, assembly, and testing sites' for ballistic missiles.