Sanctions Busters Smuggled North Korean Coal, Iron to the South via Russia

South Korean trio imported more than 35,000 tons—worth almost $6 million—last year, customs officials say

Andrew Jeong

Aug. 10, 2018 6:01 a.m. ET

DAEJEON, South Korea—Three South Koreans illegally imported North Korean coal and iron via Russia in violation of sanctions, South Korean customs officials said, exposing a crack in the U.S.-led campaign to cut off trade with the Pyongyang regime.

Using forged customs documents and facilitating payments through a shell company in Hong Kong, the individuals brought in over 35,000 tons of coal and pig iron worth almost $6 million from North Korea between April and October last year, South Korean customs authorities told reporters...