Context
The report examines state-sanctioned North Korean criminal activity in Africa. It draws on interviews with high-level North Korean defectors and diplomatic and government sources, and on documents, press reports and academic research.
It finds that North Korean embassies in several African states have been tied to illicit activity that supports the Kim Jong-un regime and enriches cash-strapped diplomats. The report expands on research the Global Initiative published in 2016 on the involvement of North Korean diplomats in the illegal rhino horn trade.
Key findings
- North Korean diplomatic passport holders have been linked to at least 18 cases of rhino horn and ivory smuggling in Africa over the past 30 years.
- North Korea has a long history of criminal activity. Its smuggling networks, front companies and state-sponsored criminal actors are sophisticated and adept at circumventing sanctions.
- The abuse of diplomatic immunity by North Korean diplomats and agents poses a particular problem for law enforcement, because few officials are prepared to search or arrest someone carrying a diplomatic passport.
- Few African countries with long-standing ties to Pyongyang have acted decisively against these activities.
- Tighter sanctions on North Korea are likely to push the regime further towards illicit sources of revenue.
Cite as
Rademeyer, J. (2017). Diplomats and Deceit: North Korea’s Criminal Activities in Africa. Geneva: Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.