North Korean workers in Russia spark conflict amidst tight controls

According to information provided by Daily NK, tension among North Korean workers abroad is rising, and authorities are tightening control to prevent escapes.

This situation involved a group of construction workers from Kim Jong Un's country who had recently been sent to Vladivostok, Russia.

An anonymous source from that country reports that at least two to three times a week, there are serious fights among workers, which often result in injuries to both the participants and those trying to break up the fights.

The reason for the conflicts is increased mutual surveillance. North Korean authorities have long delegated security officials to overseas trading companies to monitor workers.

Recently, however, the number of controls has increased. Security officers are introducing "spies" into each work group, tasked with reporting on the actions and statements of their "colleagues."

If three people gather, one is definitely a Ministry of State Security spy, emphasises Daily NK.

Workers face criticism for a lack of enthusiasm at work or even for complaints about difficulties at work, which results in a very tense atmosphere in the work teams.

Due to increased surveillance and criticism, many workers are considering leaving their groups.

Workgroups are completely split due to the spies. If this continues, there could be mass defections, the article reads.

This situation is not limited to a single location but is appearing among North Korean work groups in various regions of Russia, increasing the risk of escalating the problem.

Let’s remind: China and Russia, which are trying to leverage North Korea in their rivalry with the United States, have become loopholes in enforcing the UN ban. They are helping the sanctioned and pandemic-stricken Pyongyang gain urgently needed cash.