Is the North Korean arms deal in new documentary 'The Mole' typical, or a scam?



Analysis Is the North Korean arms deal in new documentary ‘The Mole’ typical, or a scam? Differences with how North Korea normally does its arms dealing have the expert community raising eyebrows Min Chao Choy October 14, 2020 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON Piraya Film & Wingman Media The hidden-camera revelation that North Korea persistently tried to sell weapons to two undercover Danes was one of the many bombshells in Mads Brügger’s recently-released documentary, “The Mole.” But those familiar with North Korea have been asking: Was it all too good to be true? Experts have expressed reservations about the deals, noting that the parties involved -- including North Korea -- may have been trying to run an exit scam after receiving the undercover investor’s $3.2 million “initial payment.” While the veracity of the hidden camera footage is not in question, divergences from North Korea’s normal business behavior raises many red flags, they say. The hidden-camera revelation that North Korea persistently tried to sell weapons to two undercover Danes was one of the many bombshells in Mads Brügger’s recently-released documentary, “The Mole.” But those familiar with North Korea have been asking: Was it all too good to be true? Experts have expressed reservations about the deals, noting that the parties involved -- including North Korea -- may have been trying to run an exit scam after receiving the undercover investor’s $3.2 million “initial payment.” While the veracity of the hidden camera footage is not in question, divergences from North Korea’s normal business behavior raises many red flags, they say. Become a member for less than $4 per week. Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts. Subscribe now All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time. © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by And how should we address you in correspondence? One more step! Please check your inbox, for an email we just sent you, and click on the confirmation message in it to get subscribed to our Daily News Update. Trending

Analysis

Is the North Korean arms deal in new documentary ‘The Mole’ typical, or a scam?

Differences with how North Korea normally does its arms dealing have the expert community raising eyebrows

Min Chao Choy October 14, 2020

Is the North Korean arms deal in new documentary ‘The Mole’ typical, or a scam?

Piraya Film & Wingman Media

The hidden-camera revelation that North Korea persistently tried to sell weapons to two undercover Danes was one of the many bombshells in Mads Brügger’s recently-released documentary, “The Mole.” But those familiar with North Korea have been asking: Was it all too good to be true?

Experts have expressed reservations about the deals, noting that the parties involved -- including North Korea -- may have been trying to run an exit scam after receiving the undercover investor’s $3.2 million “initial payment.” While the veracity of the hidden camera footage is not in question, divergences from North Korea’s normal business behavior raises many red flags, they say.