Japan releases new images of North Korea sanctions breach at sea

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Japan releases new images of North Korea sanctions breach at sea

Images likely show illegal transfer of oil products to North Korea

Hamish Macdonald May 29, 2018

Japan releases new images of North Korea sanctions breach at sea

Japanese Ministry of Defense

The Japanese government on Tuesday published photos dated May 19 of what it says likely shows a sanctioned North Korean vessel engaging in prohibited ship-to-ship (STS) transfers in the East China Sea.

Images, taken from a Japanese Maritime Defense Force P-3C aircraft, show a North Korean oil tanker alongside a smaller vessel with pumps or hosing connecting the two, which would be typical of STS transfers involving fuel products.

About the Author

Hamish Macdonald

Hamish Macdonald is an Associate Fellow at RUSI who formerly worked on Project SANDSTONE and formerly a journalist and researcher who has focused uniquely on North Korea related topics and affairs. He was previously the COO of the Korea Risk Group, which produces the NK News and NK Pro. Specialising in this area, his investigations covered topics including North Korean sanctions evasion activities, domestic economic development and human rights.

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