Despite being weighed down by some of the toughest sanctions in the world for its past digressions,... a new UN report shows the regime may be eluding those punitive measures through illegal transactions.
Some examples include the illegal movement of petroleum, coal and even weapons.
Lee Seung-jae reports.
According to a report to the UN Security Council by a panel of international experts, expected to be issued this week,... North Korea has found a chink in the armor of the sanctions placed on the regime.
The report says North Korea has been accelerating its imports of petroleum products through illicit ship-to-ship transfers,... while stepping up its coal exports.
The report also indicates Pyeongyang has been illegally exporting small arms to Syria, Yemen, Libya and Sudan.
The UN plans to investigate possible companies and individuals in Asia who have been aiding North Korea by secretly purchasing centrifuges for its uranium enrichment.
The report said it's through these transactions that North Korea is able to continue it uranium enrichment process.
Despite what seems to be easing tensions between North Korea and the U.S.,... Pyeongyang is maintaining its defense readiness,... dispersing missile-related facilities in case of U.S. military action.
The report says Pyeongyang's Sunan International Airport, is reported to be one of the facilities.
The Wall Street Journal says the report also includes information that North Korea is involved in cyber attacks and virtual monetary hijacking targeting foreign financial institutions.
The UN report is published twice a year to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of sanctions against North Korea.
Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.