Two North Korean defectors who were arrested by Chinese police in February while attempting to reach South Korea have recently been released. The defectors were caught due to a tip from their Chinese driver, a scenario that has become increasingly common.
A Daily NK source in China reported recently that the defectors—one in their 50s and one in their 60s—had been living in Jilin province before attempting their journey to South Korea in early February. They were arrested after the Chinese driver who was transporting them, and who made money moving defectors throughout the country, reported them to authorities.
The defectors had reached Hunan province and changed vehicles when they were apprehended.
“The driver tipped off police before they reached Hunan province, so officers were already waiting for them,” the source explained. “Police stopped their car and arrested them after an inspection.”
The defectors sensed something was amiss during their arrest and later discovered the driver had contacted police. They were shocked to overhear officers whispering that the driver had informed on them and cooperated with authorities.
Despite receiving the tip, police deliberately delayed the arrest until the defectors reached Hunan province, apparently hoping to catch another driver in their network.
Indeed, another Chinese driver who was scheduled to transport the defectors to their next destination was arrested simultaneously.
“Defectors leaving China for South Korea typically use a relay system, changing vehicles at each stage,” the source said. “This tactic is meant to avoid police surveillance and crackdowns, but recently, some drivers have begun secretly informing police about defectors’ routes.”
These drivers are essentially “double dipping”—collecting payment from the defectors for transportation while also receiving rewards from Chinese authorities for reporting them.
Some drivers report defectors to avoid potential punishment themselves. With border crossings becoming increasingly difficult, defectors face a high risk of eventual capture. If caught, drivers involved in these operations could face serious consequences, so they preemptively report the defectors to protect themselves.
In essence, defectors are being harmed by Chinese drivers motivated by financial gain and self-preservation.
“Even defectors who have lived in China for years decide to go to South Korea because they want to live freely with proper identification. However, with intensifying police surveillance and drivers informing authorities, the journey to South Korea has become more dangerous,” the source warned. “Defectors attempting to reach South Korea need to be extremely cautious.”
The two captured defectors were released late last month. However, the driver who was supposed to transport them from Hunan province to their next destination likely faces criminal charges, according to the source.
