The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Wednesday released images of what it says shows a possible prohibited ship-to-ship transfer involving a North Korean vessel in the East China Sea.

The images, taken from a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force P-3C aircraft, show the North Korean flagged Rye Song Gang No. 1 and the Dominican flagged Yuk Tung side by side in the early hours of January 20 with both of their deck lights on.

“Both vessels came in contact during the night and were illuminated having engaged in some kind of work activity, resulting in strong suspicion by the