State security agents in North Korea’s border region are ramping up efforts to catch Chinese mobile phone users ahead of their upcoming quarterly performance reviews.
Sources in North Hamgyong province report that agents in border areas like Hoeryong, Musan, and Onsong have recently been pressuring suspected Chinese phone users to surrender voluntarily.
Many North Koreans along the border earn their living as smugglers and remittance brokers—occupations that rely heavily on Chinese mobile phones for coordination. Authorities view these devices as dangerous conduits for sensitive information flowing both in and out of the country, leading to increasingly harsh restrictions.
The legal consequences have become far more severe since the COVID-19 pandemic began. What once might have resulted in confiscation and a fine now commonly leads to prison sentences for mere possession.
While this intensified crackdown has reduced the overall number of Chinese phone users, many North Koreans continue using the devices for their work. The rigorous policing has simply made users more cautious and skilled at avoiding detection.
“People in the same line of work used to share a Chinese phone, but as the crackdown intensified, most people have gotten their own phone that they use in private,” one source explained. “Chinese phone users are less likely to be seen by an informer or caught in the act, even when they appear on suspect lists.”
The performance pressure paradox
With state security agents still expected to meet arrest quotas before quarterly reviews, they’ve adopted a carrot-and-stick approach to hunting down users.
“As the third quarter performance review approaches next month, the Ministry of State Security constantly pushes agents to track down Chinese mobile phone users. That has motivated agents to find users to boost their numbers,” the source noted.
In Hoeryong, agents have begun visiting homes of suspected users, demanding confessions. Few residents comply with these demands, prompting agents to resort to intimidation tactics.
“We never go on break,” agents tell their targets. “We’re always watching you. You may be at liberty now, but we know what you’re up to.”
The psychological pressure campaign was on full display recently when a remittance broker in Hoeryong faced questioning on August 13th. The local state security agent first tried persuasion: “I know all about your Chinese mobile phone. You’d better turn it over now, while you still have a chance.”
When the broker denied ownership, the agent escalated to threats: “We’re always on your tail. You’ll end up regretting your actions a hundredfold.”
Despite the mounting pressure, the strategy appears largely ineffective. “Chinese mobile phone users generally think there’s nothing to be gained from making a confession. That’s why nobody is acting on these offers to turn themselves in,” the source observed.
The situation creates an ironic dilemma for the agents themselves. While catching Chinese phone users represents their official duty, they also depend on these same individuals for unofficial income.
“It’s the job of state security agents to catch users of Chinese mobile phones, but it’s also a dilemma for them. They need to keep users around so they can line their pockets. The fewer people use Chinese phones, the fewer bribes agents can expect to receive,” the source added.
