State security agents arrested a North Korean remittance broker in Hyesan while trying to deliver funds to a defector’s family in South Hamgyong province, highlighting the regime’s intensifying crackdown on underground money transfers.
A source in Ryanggang province told Daily NK recently that a remittance broker identified as “A” in Hyesan city traveled to Kowon county, South Hamgyong province, in late July to deliver money to a defector’s family living there. Just minutes after arriving, the broker was arrested by state security agents who had been tipped off by a neighbor.
In North Korea, anyone wishing to travel outside their place of residence must specify their purpose of travel — visiting relatives, for example — and receive a travel pass before departure. In addition to lacking meaningful connections in Kowon county, “A” did not have a valid travel purpose (since delivering money to a defector’s family is illegal). So instead of applying for a travel pass, the broker traveled to the county in an off-the-record vehicle called a “servi-cha.”
But “A” was spotted by a neighbor while looking for the defector family’s house. The neighbor reported the suspicious visitor to state security agents, who promptly arrested them.
The North Korean regime closely monitors defectors’ families, whom it regards as “dangerous elements,” by recruiting informants to watch their every move. It was precisely because of this surveillance network that “A” was reported and arrested upon arriving in the neighborhood.
Surveillance network tightens around defector families
“When it comes to those categorized as ‘dangerous elements,’ authorities monitor anybody who visits their home or with whom they come into contact. This incident shows that defectors’ families are caught in a net of surveillance composed not only of state security agents and police officers but also informers,” the source said.
That net has grown tighter in recent months. The regime, which wants to normalize informing on others, encourages citizens to actively report any suspicious individuals, regularly emphasizing that people should keep an eye on their own relatives and family members.
The regime also asks defectors’ families to report any remittances they may receive. State security agents reportedly promise that if families immediately report any remittances they receive, their money will not be confiscated.
“State security agents have devised a number of schemes in an attempt to dismantle the remittance network,” the source said.
But despite state security agents’ promises, few families of defectors tell authorities about their remittances. As a result, the source explained, most brokers are caught through tip-offs by informants.
At the time of arrest, “A” could not deny being a remittance broker because a phone search revealed voice recordings of defectors asking for funds to be delivered to families in North Korea.
“A” is in detention at the Kowon county state security department. Questioning is likely to continue there until state security agents from the Hyesan municipal department or the Ryanggang provincial bureau arrive to take over the case.
“To be released, ‘A’ would have to pay a massive bribe of around 100,000 North Korean won. Otherwise, the broker will face legal consequences,” the source said.
