June 03, 2023
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

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.