GOV.UK: Joint Statement of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) on the Report Covering the DPRK's Overseas Labour Program

• GOV.UK - Sanctions news states at least 17 countries are suspected of hosting North Korean labourers, generating between US $450 million and $800 million in 2025.
• GOV.UK notes the MSMT was established in October 2024 to monitor and report on UN sanctions implementation relating to the DPRK.

The Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) released a report detailing systemic evasion of UN sanctions by the DPRK through the ongoing overseas deployment of North Korean labourers, prohibited by UNSCRs 2375 and 2397. The report consolidates information from MSMT participating states and open sources, estimating 35,600 to 101,280 labourers, mostly in China and Russia.

Despite the 2019 repatriation deadline mandated by UNSCR 2397, at least 17 countries are suspected of hosting North Korean labourers, generating between US $450 million and $800 million in 2025. The MSMT urges the international community to raise awareness and hold responsible parties accountable for UNSCR violations, including through domestic action.

• 35,600 to 101,280 Estimated number of DPRK overseas labourers
• US $450 million and $800 million Funds generated by DPRK overseas labourers in 2025
• 80-90% Percentage of wages confiscated by DPRK

• Screen for entities linked to DPRK overseas labourers, especially in China and Russia, as detailed in the MSMT report.
• Review transactions for wage flows matching the US $450 million to $800 million range cited in the MSMT report.
• Monitor for typologies involving student visa schemes in Russia used to camouflage North Korean labourers, as described in the MSMT report.

This story highlights ongoing systemic evasion of UN sanctions by the DPRK through the deployment of overseas labourers, generating significant funds for unlawful nuclear and missile programs. Compliance officers must be alert to typologies such as wage confiscation, student visa schemes, and cross-border labour flows, especially in China and Russia. The MSMT report provides actionable intelligence for identifying and deterring UNSCR violations, emphasizing the need for robust screening and reporting to prevent facilitation of DPRK sanctions evasion.