UN Report Says North Korea Continues to Develop Nuclear Weapons Despite Sanctions, How?

North Korea's ballistic missile when featured in the 70th Anniversary parade of the End of the Korean War or Security Day 27 July. (Source: KCNA)

JAKARTA - North Korea continues to develop nuclear weapons and produce nuclear fissile material by 2023 and circumvent United Nations (UN) sanctions aimed at cutting off funding for Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, according to an unpublished UN report seen by Reuters in Thursday.

"Following record-breaking cyber-theft rates in 2022, estimated at US$1.7 billion, DPRK (North Korean) hackers reportedly continue to successfully target cryptocurrency and other financial exchanges globally," the independent sanctions monitors wrote in a statement. its report to the UN Security Council committee, as reported by Reuters on August 11.

The monitors, which report to the council twice a year, have previously accused North Korea of ​​using cyberattacks to help fund its nuclear and missile programmes. North Korea itself denies accusations of hacking or other cyber attacks.

North Korea's mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report.

Earlier on Thursday, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un replaced top military general, calling for more preparations for a possible war, increased weapons production and expanded military exercises, according to a KCNA report.

Pyongyang is known to have been under UN sanctions over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs since 2006. The measures have been strengthened by unanimity over the years. But the 15-nation body is now deadlocked as China and Russia push for the easing of sanctions to convince Pyongyang to return to denuclearization talks.

The UN sanctions monitor said hackers working for North Korea's General Reconnaissance Bureau (RGB), its main foreign intelligence agency, "continue to use increasingly sophisticated cyber techniques to steal funds and information."

"Companies in the cryptocurrency, defense, energy and healthcare sectors are particularly targeted," they wrote in an executive summary of the report to be published in the coming weeks.

"The DPRK continues to access the international financial system and is also involved in illicit financial operations," the report continued.

Monitors report continued illegal coal exports and "various evasions of sanctions by ships shipping refined petroleum products to the DPRK." North Korea also acquired 14 new ships in violation of sanctions.

"Although the country's borders remain largely closed, trade volumes are increasing, especially due to the resumption of rail traffic. A wide variety of foreign goods are rapidly making a comeback," the monitors wrote, adding they are continuing to investigate the illegal import of luxury goods.

The monitors added that they are also investigating alleged exports of North Korean military communications equipment and ammunition and "possible cases of sales of arms or other types of military support by the DPRK to member states."