April 18, 2024

About the author

James Byrne

James Byrne is a Research Fellow at RUSI’s Proliferation and Nuclear Policy programme. His research interests include North Korea’s illicit shipping and procurement networks, open-source intelligence and analysis. He previously worked for the South Korean government.

More articles by 'James Byrne'

Lightning strikes twice as Pyongyang acquires 2nd ship via Busan: Investigation
NK PRO

Lightning strikes twice as Pyongyang acquires 2nd ship via Busan: Investigation

North Korea likely pulled same strings to purchase both ships, one of which appears to have delivered sanctioned cargo

Lightning strikes twice as Pyongyang acquires 2nd ship via Busan: Investigation
Ethan Jewell
Ethan Jewell | James Byrne | Joseph Byrne September 2, 2022
The China connection: North Korea’s nuclear operations in the Middle Kingdom
NK PRO

The China connection: North Korea’s nuclear operations in the Middle Kingdom

Recent missile tests underscore the importance of North Korea's procurement and proliferation networks in China

The China connection: North Korea’s nuclear operations in the Middle Kingdom
Gary Somerville | James Byrne February 14, 2022
North Korean coal smuggling route to China rebounds to pre-COVID activity levels
NK PRO

North Korean coal smuggling route to China rebounds to pre-COVID activity levels

At least 17 DPRK-linked ships traversed Chinese waters as authorities turn a blind eye to illicit shipping

North Korean coal smuggling route to China rebounds to pre-COVID activity levels
South Korean firm repeatedly tied to North Korea-linked ship-to-ship transfers
NK PRO

South Korean firm repeatedly tied to North Korea-linked ship-to-ship transfers

ROK company implicated in encounters with DPRK-flagged and UNSC-designated vessels

South Korean firm repeatedly tied to North Korea-linked ship-to-ship transfers
Risky ventures: the London company embroiled in a North Korean coal scandal
NK PRO

Risky ventures: the London company embroiled in a North Korean coal scandal

Amet Ventures insists it has been framed, though its owner had ties to Ukrainian coal smuggling

Risky ventures: the London company embroiled in a North Korean coal scandal
James Byrne
James Byrne | Leo Byrne September 5, 2018
On Liberty: the sanctioned company working with South Korea and Japan
NK PRO

On Liberty: the sanctioned company working with South Korea and Japan

Newly designated DPRK-linked Hong Kong company has sent ships to South Korea and Japan for years

On Liberty: the sanctioned company working with South Korea and Japan
James Byrne
James Byrne | Leo Byrne March 12, 2018
Sierra Leone registers North Korea linked vessels in potential sanctions breach

Sierra Leone registers North Korea linked vessels in potential sanctions breach

Registrations come after Panama delists 20 vessels for their ties to the DPRK

Sierra Leone registers North Korea linked vessels in potential sanctions breach
James Byrne
James Byrne | Leo Byrne February 27, 2018
Dandong company involved in coal, North Korean labor, and shipping clothes to U.S.: investigation
NK PRO

Dandong company involved in coal, North Korean labor, and shipping clothes to U.S.: investigation

Research finds a large Chinese company at the heart of international network

Dandong company involved in coal, North Korean labor, and shipping clothes to U.S.: investigation
James Byrne
James Byrne | Leo Byrne January 15, 2018
Seized oil tanker linked to N. Korean networks, investigation reveals

Seized oil tanker linked to N. Korean networks, investigation reveals

Despite Panamanian flag, KOTI owned by Chinese nationals tied to DPRK proliferation

Seized oil tanker linked to N. Korean networks, investigation reveals
James Byrne
James Byrne | Leo Byrne January 3, 2018
London calling: UK shell companies in North Korea’s networks
NK PRO

London calling: UK shell companies in North Korea’s networks

Investigation shows how London companies own ships visiting Chinese and DPRK coal ports

London calling: UK shell companies in North Korea’s networks
James Byrne
James Byrne | Leo Byrne December 21, 2017