A report by the United Nations, not yet published but reviewed by Reuters on Thursday, stated that North Korea continues to develop nuclear weapons and produce fissile materials in 2023. The country is also evading sanctions imposed by the organization aimed at depriving it of funding for its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Observers reported, "After a record level of cyber thefts in 2022, estimated at around $1.7 billion, reports indicate that North Korean hackers continue to successfully target cryptocurrencies and other financial exchanges worldwide." In a summary of the report set to be published in the coming weeks, the observers noted that "although the country's borders remain largely closed, trade volume has increased, primarily due to the resumption of railway movement. A wide variety of foreign goods have quickly re-emerged," adding that they continue to investigate illegal imports of luxury goods.
The observers also mentioned investigating allegations that North Korea is exporting military communication equipment and ammunition and "potential instances of arms sales or other military support to member states." They pointed out the continued illegal export of coal and the numerous measures in place to evade sanctions. Previously, observers who report to the council twice annually have accused North Korea of resorting to cyberattacks to help finance its nuclear and missile programs. North Korea, for its part, denies allegations of hacking or other cyber attacks. The country has been under United Nations sanctions due to its nuclear and ballistic missile programs since 2006.
