Is the North Korean arms deal in new documentary 'The Mole' typical, or a scam? | NK News
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October 03, 2026Oct 03, 2026

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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

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