2 publishers · first seen Thu, 29 Oct 2026 04:59 UTC · updated Thu, 29 Oct 2026 15:28 UTC
A Russian network of brokers, linked to businessman Vladimir Sokolov and his Black Horse group, has trafficked North Korean workers into Russia on student visas to circumvent UN sanctions, according to a report by Global Rights Compliance. The workers were placed in factories, including a facility producing military rations, under forced labor conditions with 12-hour shifts and as few as two days off per month, while most of their wages were diverted to the North Korean state.
The operation involves cooperation between Russian brokers and North Korean officials, including embassy personnel in Moscow, and supports both Russia's war economy and North Korea's weapons programs. Commissions of up to 150,000 rubles ($1,860) were charged per worker, and threats of punishment against workers and their families were used to prevent escape. The findings highlight the deepening military and economic partnership between Russia and North Korea since their 2023 summit and the 2024 strategic partnership treaty with mutual defense commitments.
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