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About the author

Stephan Blancke

Dr. Stephan Blancke has worked in the field of intelligence analysis for over 20 years. His areas of expertise are foreign espionage activities — including by China, North Korea, Pakistan and Iran and their intelligence services — and international clandestine networks of these countries in connection with the circumvention of sanctions or political influence campaigns. He previously worked at King's College London in the field of proliferation and illicit procurement networks. Since November 2022, he has been an Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London. Among other journals and newspapers, he writes for Jane’s Intelligence Review and Intelligence Online. He can be contacted via his website stephan.blancke.de.

More articles by 'Stephan Blancke'

How naval similarities support military ties between North Korea and Myanmar
NK PRO

How naval similarities support military ties between North Korea and Myanmar

Evidence suggests Pyongyang has provided Gatling guns for the Naypyidaw junta’s newest flagship

How naval similarities support military ties between North Korea and Myanmar
Book review: ‘From Kim Jong Il to Kim Jong Un: How the Hardliners Prevailed’

Book review: ‘From Kim Jong Il to Kim Jong Un: How the Hardliners Prevailed’

Former German Ambassador Thomas Schäfer recounts the challenges and absurdities of being a diplomat in Pyongyang

Book review: ‘From Kim Jong Il to Kim Jong Un: How the Hardliners Prevailed’
Stephan Blancke June 30, 2021
Spy games: The North Korean intelligence services and organized crime
NK PRO

Spy games: The North Korean intelligence services and organized crime

Western intelligence agencies increasingly need to adapt to an opponent that operates unconventionally and, at times, erratically

Spy games: The North Korean intelligence services and organized crime
Stephan Blancke December 2, 2016
Sanctions busting: How North Korea smuggles illicit goods
NK PRO

Sanctions busting: How North Korea smuggles illicit goods

The DPRK's smuggling networks rely on organized crime - and China turning a blind eye

Sanctions busting: How North Korea smuggles illicit goods
Stephan Blancke November 15, 2016
Follow the money: How North Korea moves cash around the world
NK PRO

Follow the money: How North Korea moves cash around the world

Despite international pressure, the DPRK has many ways to get its money from A to B

Follow the money: How North Korea moves cash around the world
Stephan Blancke October 31, 2016
Omertà: North Korea’s organized crime at home and abroad
NK PRO

Omertà: North Korea’s organized crime at home and abroad

The DPRK's inner circle relies on hard currency from abroad - and operates much like an organized crime cartel

Omertà: North Korea’s organized crime at home and abroad
Stephan Blancke October 24, 2016
Tracking the DPRK’s intelligence operations
NK PRO

Tracking the DPRK’s intelligence operations

North Korea's secret services are essential to keeping the regime in power

Tracking the DPRK’s intelligence operations
Stephan Blancke October 18, 2016