40 North Korean embassies earn foreign currency illegally

North Korea was utilizing its embassies in more than 40 countries all around the world to earn foreign currency, the New York Times reported Saturday. Using diplomatic missions for profit is illegal under international law.

More than 40 North Korean businesses and organizations are operating in the North Korean embassy in Warsaw, Poland. There are various businesses such as pharmaceutical company, advertisement company and yacht club. Staff members of the North Korean embassy in China are also registered as employee of Haegeumgang Trading Corporation, which is known as a company providing an anti-aircraft missile and a radar system to Mozambique and is a target of U.S. sanctions.

There was a testimony that the North Korean embassy in India operated a butcher’s shop. Some countries are cracking down on the North’s illegal business operation. For instance, Germany closed down North Korea’s diplomatic facilities that were used as youth hostel.